China 2025: record trade surplus at USD 1,189 billion and export growth over 5 per cent
Despite declining exports to the US, Beijing increases shipments to other markets, consolidating its position as the world's largest trader with a $6.510 billion foreign trade
China closes 2025 with a record monstrous trade surplus of USD 1,189 billion, with exports up 5.5 per cent annually and imports stable. In spite of trade tensions with the United States, to which exports fell by double digits for much of the year, Beijing is increasing shipments to non-US markets, increasing the trade imbalance with major partners, including the EU, according to General Administration of Customs data. In December alone, the surplus stood at 114.1 billion globally, with exports at +6.6% and imports at +5.7%, far beating expectations.
Data on China's foreign trade in goods was also positive, reaching 45,470 billion yuan ($6,510 billion) in 2025, up 3.8% year-on-year, according to renminbi-denominated data released by the General Administration of Customs. Exports, in particular, grew by 6.1%, while imports increased by 0.5%. The value of foreign trade updated the Dragon's record levels, crossing the 45 trillion yuan threshold for the first time, allowing the People's Republic to remain the largest trader of goods on a global scale.
