China has announced record export figures for 2025, despite trade disruption caused by tariff policies introduced by US President Donald Trump.
Beijing on Wednesday reported the world’s largest ever trade surplus at $1.19tn, marking the first time China’s full year surplus has exceeded $1tn and surpassing the 2024 record of $993bn.
Official figures showed China’s monthly export surpluses crossed $100bn on seven occasions last year, indicating that Trump’s tariff campaign had limited impact on China’s overall global trade.
While trade with the US weakened, the decline was offset by rising exports to other regions, particularly South East Asia, Africa and Latin America.
Wang Jun, deputy director of China’s customs authority, described the figures as “extraordinary and hard-won” during a press conference on Wednesday, citing “profound changes” and mounting challenges in global trade.
He highlighted growth in exports linked to green technology, artificial intelligence related products and robotics.
Analysts attributed the strong surplus to robust overseas demand for Chinese goods, expanded trade with partners in South Asia, Africa and Europe, and a weak domestic market.
China’s economy has been constrained by a prolonged property crisis and rising debt levels, discouraging business investment and consumer spending. As a result, imports grew by just 0.5 percent.
A weaker yuan, strong production capacity and inflation in Western economies have also boosted the competitiveness of Chinese exports.
The outcome represents a “mixed blessing” for Beijing, according to trade policy analyst Deborah Elms of the Hinrich Foundation.
China has benefited from increased overseas sales and job creation, but its exports may face “greater scrutiny” from foreign markets under pressure to compete, she said.
Elms added that China’s export strength is likely to continue into 2026 as its goods and services become more deeply embedded in global supply chains.
Wang cautioned, however, that China still faces an uncertain external environment, despite the diversification of its global customer base beyond the US.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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