Overview
- Customs data show exports rose 5.5% to $3.77 trillion and imports were $2.58 trillion for 2025, with December shipments up 6.6% and purchases up 5.7% versus expectations.
- U.S.-bound exports plunged about 20% in 2025, while sales to ASEAN, Africa, the European Union and Latin America increased enough to lift overall exports.
- China’s auto push was a standout, with 5.79 million vehicles exported last year, up 19.4%, including a 48.8% jump in pure electric vehicles.
- Officials highlighted market diversification and signaled rebalancing, with Premier Li Qiang urging import expansion, solar export tax rebates scrapped, and the Foreign Trade Law revised.
- Customs cautioned the external environment remains “severe and complex,” as economists project exports to stay a key growth driver in 2026 and the surplus to remain above $1 trillion.