China’s trade hits historic high of $12 trillion

लगानी न्यूज

३० पुष २०८२, बुधबार १३:१९January 14, 2026

. China’s trade is expected to hit a historic record of about $1.2 trillion in 2025, government data showed.

Exports to the United States slowed, but the overall surplus rose significantly as exports expanded to other regional and international markets, according to data released Wednesday.TAG_OPEN_div_57

China’s exports are expected to grow 5.5 percent to $3.77 trillion in 2025, according to the Chinese Customs Administration.TAG_OPEN_div_55 During this period, imports declined to $ 25.80 trillion. China’s trade surplus in 2024 was just over $992 billion.

China’s exports in December fell by 6.TAG_OPEN_div_53 6% in dollar terms compared to a year earlier. The 6 percent increase is expected to be higher, better than economists’ estimates, and the 5.5 percent increase in November. This is higher than the annual growth rate of 9 percent. Imports also rose significantly in the same month to November 1. 5 percent compared to 9 percent. It has increased by 7 percent.

China’s trade surplus crossed the $1 trillion mark for the first time in November.TAG_OPEN_div_51 In the first 11 months of last year, the trade surplus reached $1.08 trillion, the data showed.

Economists expect exports to continue to support China’s economy in 2026 despite trade frictions and geopolitical tensions.TAG_OPEN_div_49 Jacqueline Rong, chief China economist at BNP Paribas, said exports are expected to continue to be a key driver of economic growth in 2026.

China’TAG_OPEN_div_47 s exports to the U.S. market fell for much of last year as the trade war between China and the United States escalated after President Donald Trump returned to power. Exports to the United States are expected to fall by about 20 percent in 2025. However, the decline was largely offset by expanding exports to other markets in South America, Southeast Asia, Africa and Europe.

According to the TAG_OPEN_div_45 data, China’s exports to Africa increased by 26 percent in 2025. Exports to Southeast Asian countries increased by 13 percent, the European Union (8 percent) and Latin America by 7 percent.

According to analysts, strong global demand for computer chips, electronic devices and the materials used in them has supported China’s exports.TAG_OPEN_div_43 At the same time, China’s car exports also increased significantly last year.

Strong export performance has helped China’s economy move closer to its official annual growth target of around TAG_OPEN_div_41 5 percent. But there have been warnings and concerns in some countries that the flood of cheap Chinese goods could hurt local industries.

Wang TAG_OPEN_div_39 Jun, vice minister of the Chinese Customs Administration, said China was facing a “serious and complex” external trade environment in 2026. He, however, made it clear that China’s foreign trade infrastructure is still strong.

The head of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) last month urged China to accelerate reforms to address economic imbalances, stimulate domestic demand and investment, and move out of its dependence on exports.TAG_OPEN_div_37

China’s long-running real estate slowdown continues to weigh on consumer confidence and domestic demand.TAG_OPEN_div_36 The sector’s problems have deepened as many developers have defaulted due to excessive borrowing.

China’s leaders have put increasing spending for consumers and businesses at the heart of their economic policies.TAG_OPEN_div_34 In recent months, the government has introduced a trade-in subsidy program to encourage consumers to buy new, energy-efficient home appliances and vehicles and replace older models. But the effectiveness of these measures has so far been limited.

According to Rong of BNP Paribas, the growth of domestic demand is likely to remain sluggish in 2026.TAG_OPEN_div_32 Financial subsidy programs, especially for consumer goods, were weaker than last year, he said.

Gary TAG_OPEN_div_30 Ng, senior economist at French investment bank Natixis, expects China’s exports to grow by about 3 percent in 2026. This is 5 by 2025. It is less than 5 percent. He expects China’s trade surplus to remain above $10 trillion this year, with import growth expected to remain sluggish.