Chinas Trade Surplus Reaches New Record in 2025

China’s Trade Surplus Reaches New High of $1.2 Trillion

Customs data released on Wednesday has shown that China’s trade surplus reached a new high of nearly $1.2 trillion in 2025, driven by increased exports to countries outside the US. According to the data, Chinese exports rose by 5.5 percent last year to total $3.77 trillion, while imports remained steady at $2.58 trillion. This resulted in a trade surplus of $1.19 trillion.

The increase in trade with other countries made up for reduced trade with the US, which has been affected by tariffs imposed by the Chinese government. As a result, Chinese firms have pivoted to customers in Southeast Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Europe. However, trade with Russia dropped for the first time in five years due to decreased demand for Chinese cars and a drop in the value of Chinese imports of Russian crude oil.

China has provided significant economic support to Russia since its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The country’s customs administration reported that the external environment for China’s foreign trade development remains severe and complex, but with more diversified trading partners, China’s ability to withstand risks has been enhanced.

Strong global demand for computer chips and other devices, as well as materials used to make them, have supported China’s exports. In December, China’s exports climbed 6.6 percent from the year before in dollar terms, beating economists’ estimates and surpassing November’s 5.9 percent year-on-year increase. Imports also rose 5.7 percent year-on-year in December, compared to November’s 1.9 percent.

Economists expect China’s trade surplus to continue supporting its economy this year, despite ongoing trade friction and geopolitical tensions. The country is expected to achieve its growth target of around 5 percent when the GDP data is published next week.

Source: Al Jazeera