China ended 2025 with a new record trade surplus, despite the difficulties caused by American tariffs that have impacted global trade.
Last year, exports grew by 5.5% annually, reaching around $3.8 trillion, while imports remained stable at around $2.6 trillion, resulting in a record trade surplus of $1.2 trillion. In 2024, the surplus approached $1 trillion, as reported by DPA and Reuters.
December data exceeded analysts' expectations, with exports rising by 6.6% and imports by 5.7%. Analysts had predicted only a 0.9% increase in imports.
Despite global tensions and trade disputes with major partners such as the United States, China's trade growth has remained robust. However, exports to the U.S. declined by 20% last year, while imports saw a 14.6% decrease.
Chinese exporters have shifted their focus to other markets amid the trade conflict with Washington, including Southeast Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Europe. Exports to Germany increased by 10.5% last year, reaching $118.3 billion, while imports from Germany decreased by 2.1% to $92.8 billion.
"The Chinese economy remains extraordinarily competitive. The trade surplus data reflects the gains in productivity and technological progress of Chinese manufacturers, despite weak domestic demand and production overcapacity," noted Fred Neumann, chief economist at HSBC.
He warned, "China's growing trade surpluses could exacerbate tensions with trading partners, especially those heavily reliant on exports."