Overview
- Customs data show 2025 exports reached $3.77 trillion with imports at $2.58 trillion, producing a near-$1.2 trillion surplus.
- December trade beat forecasts with exports up 6.6% year over year and imports up 5.7% year over year.
- Shipments to the United States fell about 20% for the year, while exports rose to Africa (+26%), Southeast Asia (+13%), the European Union (+8%), and Latin America (+7%).
- Electronics and electrical equipment led export gains, and auto exports jumped 21% to more than 7 million vehicles, driven by EVs and plug-in hybrids.
- Officials and analysts expect exports to support growth in 2026 despite a “severe and complex” external environment, with the IMF urging stronger domestic demand to reduce reliance on foreign sales.