China posts record 2025 trade surplus as exports pivot away from the U.S. amid renewed tariff pressure

China’s customs data for 2025 shows the country ended the year with a record trade surplus of about $1.2 trillion. The headline number is striking because it comes alongside a steep drop in exports to the United States, which fell around 20% year-on-year, reflecting renewed tariff pressure and broader strategic friction. Despite the U.S. decline, overall exports grew, helped by stronger demand in other regions. Reuters reported particularly strong gains to Africa, ASEAN and Latin America, and an increase in shipments to the European Union. December trade was also stronger than many economists expected, with both exports and imports rising faster than forecasts. The numbers reinforce a key trend: China’s export machine is adapting by diversifying destinations and leaning on advanced manufacturing capacity. But that same capacity—combined with weak domestic demand—feeds concerns abroad that China is exporting surplus production and undercutting competitors. Looking into 2026, analysts expect exports to remain an important growth engine for China, even if the pace slows. The geopolitical implication is that trade disputes may broaden from bilateral U.S.-China friction into wider arguments over market access, subsidies, and strategic goods.

14.01.2026

https://www.reuters.com/world/china/chinas-trade-ends-2025-with-record-trillion-dollar-surplus-despite-trump-tariffs-2026-01-14/