Chinese trade surplus hits record $1.2trn in 2025 despite US tariffs

14th Jan 2026 07:31

(Sharecast News) - China's trade surplus with the rest of the world reached a record $1.2trn in 2025 as exports to the European Union and Southeast Asia surged in response to higher tariffs in the US.

In dollar terms, the world's second-largest economy reported a trade balance of $1.189trn last year, up from 2024's record of $993bn.

Exports jumped 5.5% over the year to $3.77trn, as a 20% drop in exports to the US was made up by significant increases in trade with countries in Africa (where exports rose 25.8%), the ASEAN region (up 13.4%) and the EU (exports up 8.4%).

Trade figures for December released on Wednesday showed that the surplus rose to a seven-month high of $114.1bn as year-on-year export growth picked up to 6.6% from 5.9%, smashing the 3.0% consensus estimate. Imports also beat estimates in December, rising 5.7% year-on-year.

This was the seventh month in 2025 that saw the surplus top the $100bn mark.

Speaking at a press briefing, Wang Jun, vice minister at the Chinese customs administration, said: "The momentum for global trade growth looks to be insufficient, and the external environment for China's foreign trade development remains severe and complex."

However, Wang added that China's diversification of trading partners means its "ability to withstand risks has been significantly enhanced".