China announced record export figures for 2025, reporting the world’s largest-ever trade surplus of $1.19 trillion (£890 billion), government officials said Wednesday. The figure marks the first time China’s annual surplus has surpassed $1 trillion, exceeding 2024’s record of $993 billion.
Despite a year of global trade disruption caused by US President Donald Trump’s tariffs and trade policies, China maintained strong overseas sales. Monthly export surpluses exceeded $100 billion seven times in 2025, illustrating that overall trade with the rest of the world remained robust even as shipments to the United States slowed. Exports to South East Asia, Africa, and Latin America helped offset the decline in US trade.
Wang Jun, deputy director of China’s customs administration, described the results as “extraordinary and hard-won” in light of the “profound changes” in global trade. He highlighted growing exports in green technology, artificial intelligence-related products, and robotics as key drivers of the surplus.
Analysts say the surplus reflects both strong international demand for Chinese goods and a weak domestic market. China’s economy has been weighed down by a property sector crisis and rising corporate debt, which have made businesses cautious about investment and consumers hesitant to spend. Imports rose by only 0.5% last year, reinforcing the trade imbalance.
A weaker yuan, abundant supply of goods, and high inflation in Western countries have also made Chinese products more competitive abroad. Deborah Elms, trade policy analyst at the Hinrich Foundation, called the results a “mixed blessing” for Beijing. While exports have supported Chinese businesses and employment, she warned that foreign governments may increase scrutiny of Chinese goods to protect local industries.
China’s leadership views the figures as evidence that its economy is connected to markets beyond the United States. However, Wang cautioned that the external environment remains uncertain. Several countries have expressed concern about the flood of low-priced Chinese products, and businesses are preparing for potential tariff disputes and further global trade turbulence.
The record comes after a turbulent 2025 marked by Trump’s trade actions. In April, the US imposed broad tariffs on goods from more than 90 countries, targeting China with some of the most severe measures. Trade experts at the time saw this as a test of China’s dependence on the US market. Beijing emphasized that Chinese businesses could rely on customers elsewhere.
The two countries eased tensions in October after a meeting between Trump and President Xi Jinping in South Korea, avoiding a full-scale breakdown in trade relations. Moderate tariffs remain, limiting exports to the US, but China’s growth in other markets has kept overall trade strong.
Experts predict China’s export success will likely continue in 2026, with Chinese goods and services further embedded in global supply chains. The record surplus demonstrates Beijing’s ability to navigate global trade challenges while highlighting ongoing geopolitical and economic uncertainties.
