China’s exports soared to record highs in 2025, defying trade tensions with Washington as Beijing’s diversification strategy successfully mitigated a decline in US-bound shipments. However, that resilience could face a new test this year, analysts warned.
Full-year exports for 2025 climbed 5.5 per cent from a year earlier to US$3.77 trillion, according to customs data released on Wednesday, higher than the 5 per cent growth projected by financial data provider Wind.
Imports for the same period remained flat at US$2.58 trillion, exceeding Wind’s estimates for a 0.09 per cent dip.
The surge in exports helped China cement a new record annual surplus of US$1.19 trillion.
In December alone, outbound shipments rose 6.6 per cent, beating the 2.2 per cent increase projected by Wind and higher than the 5.9 per cent growth recorded in November.
Imports for the month rose by 5.7 per cent from a year earlier, better than Wind’s forecast of a 0.3 per cent dip and accelerating from November’s 1.9 per cent growth.