China’s exports to the United States fell 27 per cent in September compared to the same month last year, marking the sixth consecutive monthly decline, even as its overall global exports showed strong growth.
According to customs data released on Monday, China’s worldwide exports rose 8.3 per cent year-on-year to USD 328.5 billion, beating economists’ forecasts and accelerating from the 4.4 per cent growth recorded in August. This marks the fastest pace of export growth in six months.
However, shipments to the U.S. continued to contract sharply under the weight of escalating trade tensions. In August, exports to the U.S. had already plunged 33 per cent, and the sustained drop reflects growing strain as the truce between Beijing and Washington unravels, with both countries imposing new tariffs and retaliatory measures.
Analysts say U.S. President Donald Trump’s policies, aimed at pressuring manufacturers to relocate production to America, have hurt Chinese exports to the American market. In response, China has moved to diversify its export destinations and has increased its presence in other global markets to offset the U.S. decline.
Despite the rebound in global demand, the outlook remains uncertain as trade hostilities show signs of deepening.