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1h ago

China's 2025 Trade Surplus Hits Record $1.189 Trillion as Exporters Shift Beyond the U.S.

Diversification to Southeast Asia, Africa, Latin America, Europe offset a roughly 20% drop in U.S. sales.

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Vehicles wait for export at the Longtan Container Terminal in Nanjing Port on January 14.
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Overview

  • Official customs data show exports rose 5.5% in 2025 to $3.77 trillion, imports were roughly flat at $2.58 trillion, and December posted gains of 6.6% for exports and 5.7% for imports.
  • Monthly trade gaps exceeded $100 billion seven times in 2025, and the annual surplus first crossed the $1 trillion mark in November.
  • China’s exports to the United States fell about 20% last year and imports from the U.S. slid 14.6%, reflecting renewed tariff pressure under President Donald Trump.
  • Shipments to Africa jumped roughly 26%, ASEAN about 13%, the European Union around 8%, and Latin America near 7%, with autos up 19.4% and pure EV exports up 48.8%.
  • Beijing has moved to ease frictions by scrapping some solar export rebates and fast-tracking Foreign Trade Law revisions, as the IMF and economists urge stronger domestic demand and see the surplus staying elevated in 2026.