China’s exports surged nearly 22 per cent in the first two months of the year compared with the same period a year earlier, driven by a sharp rise in shipments of computer chips, automobiles and electronics.
Trade data released on Tuesday by China’s customs agency showed export growth far stronger than economists had predicted. The increase significantly exceeded the 6.6 per cent annual growth rate recorded in December.
Exports to the United States declined 11 per cent in January and February, although the drop was less severe than the 30 per cent fall reported in December.
Meanwhile, shipments to the European Union jumped almost 28 per cent, and exports to Latin America rose 16 per cent. Sales to the rest of Asia, including Japan and India, also increased substantially.
Despite ongoing tensions with the United States, exports have remained one of the stronger parts of China’s economy. In 2025, Chinese exports grew 5.5 per cent, pushing the country’s trade surplus to a record level of nearly $1.2 trillion. Increased shipments to other regions have helped compensate for weaker exports to the U.S. after President Donald Trump introduced a range of higher tariffs on imports from several countries.
The rapid expansion of artificial intelligence technologies has fueled global demand for semiconductors. As a result, China’s semiconductor exports by value jumped nearly 73 per cent during the first two months of the year. The increase was also supported by rising prices amid a global shortage of memory chips.
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During the same period, China’s automobile exports climbed 67 per cent, while shipments of mechanical and electrical goods rose 27 per cent.
Trump’s planned visit to Beijing at the end of March is being closely watched for signals about whether the trade truce reached between the two countries last October might be extended. Any continuation of the agreement could provide additional support for Chinese exports to the U.S.
A recent ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court against Trump’s sweeping tariff measures has already resulted in reduced tariffs for several countries, including China. “While the recent pace of growth is unlikely to continue at the same level, exports should remain strong due to lower U.S. tariffs and robust demand for semiconductors,” said Zichun Huang, an economist.
China’s imports also rose sharply during the same period. Total imports increased nearly 20 per cent in January and February, compared with a 5.7 per cent year-on-year rise in December. However, imports from the United States fell almost 27 per cent, compared with the previous year.
China recorded a global trade surplus of $213.6 billion during the first two months of the year. Trade figures for January and February are usually combined to smooth out seasonal distortions caused by the Lunar New Year holiday, the country’s largest annual festival.
At the same time, China’s domestic economy continues to face pressure due to a prolonged downturn in its property sector. Last week, Chinese leaders set an economic growth target of 4.5 per cent to 5 per cent for 2026, the lowest target announced since 1991.
The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has also added uncertainty to the outlook for global trade and China’s energy security.
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