China Achieves Record 2025 Trade Surplus Despite Trump Tariffs
In 2025, China achieved a remarkable trade surplus, reaching a record $1.2 trillion. This significant surplus reflects a strategic shift in the country’s export focus due to tariffs imposed by the Trump administration.
Overview of China’s Trade Performance in 2025
The trade surplus rose by 20% compared to the previous year, which recorded a surplus of $992 billion. The total value of exports hit $3.7 trillion, while imports were reported at $2.58 trillion, according to customs data released recently.
Record Exports and Market Diversification
December 2025 marked a significant increase in exports, which grew by 6.6% compared to December 2024. This growth outperformed economists’ expectations and contributed to the overall trade surplus.
To counter a persistent property slump and weak domestic demand, China has increasingly relied on exports as a key growth driver. The record surplus is likely to create unease in foreign markets, which are already wary of China’s trade practices and their dependence on Chinese goods.
Statements from Chinese Officials
- Vice Customs Minister Wang Jun noted that the total trade volume exceeded 45 trillion yuan (approximately $6.4 trillion) in 2025.
- Wang mentioned that some nations have politicized trade matters, affecting high-tech exports to China.
- He emphasized that China’s diversified trading partnerships enhance its resilience to external risks.
Future Outlook for China’s Trade
Looking ahead, Wang stated that China plans to further open its market in 2026, a sentiment echoed by economists. Jacqueline Rong, chief economist at BNP Paribas, anticipates that exports will continue to be a major growth factor in 2026.
Gary Ng, senior economist at Natixis, projects a growth rate of about 3% for Chinese exports in 2026, slightly below the approximately 5% growth seen in 2025. He expects the trade surplus to remain above $1 trillion this year.
In summary, despite challenges, China’s ability to adapt its trading strategies in the face of external pressures demonstrates its determination to maintain economic growth through exports.
