China’s trade records for 2025 show a robust increase, with the country’s trade surplus soaring to nearly USD 1.2 trillion, according to government data released Wednesday. This marks a 20% rise from 2024, when the surplus stood at USD 992 billion.
China’s exports reached USD 3.77 trillion last year, while imports totaled USD 2.58 trillion, reflecting continued global demand for Chinese goods. The December figures were particularly strong, with exports up 6.6% year-on-year, surpassing economists’ estimates and November’s 5.9% growth. Imports also rose 5.7%, compared to November’s 1.9%, indicating solid domestic consumption.
Despite a sharp decline in exports to the US following heightened tariffs under the previous administration, China offset the loss through increased shipments to South America, Southeast Asia, Africa, and Europe. The strong trade performance has helped China maintain economic growth near its official 5% target, though concerns have arisen internationally over the impact of cheap imports on local industries, including in neighboring India.
IMF officials recently urged China to address economic imbalances and reduce reliance on exports by boosting domestic demand and investment. Nonetheless, analysts remain confident in the country’s export-driven growth prospects.
“We continue to expect exports to act as a big growth driver in 2026,” said Jacqueline Rong, chief China economist at BNP Paribas.
As trade tensions and geopolitical risks persist, China’s ability to sustain its export momentum will be closely watched by global markets in the coming year.