China: exports surge in June – up 27 per cent year-on-year. Record trade surplus
In the first six months of 2026, Chinese exports rose by 17.6 per cent, with a trade surplus of 125.62 billion, figures well above experts’ forecasts
Key points
China’s exports reached a record high of $412.39 billion in June, up 27 per cent on the same month in 2025.
Higher-than-expected increase
This is according to figures released by the General Administration of Customs. The increase is significantly higher than analysts’ expectations – who had forecast a rise of 18.2 per cent – and represents the strongest growth since February. In the first six months of the year, Chinese exports totalled 2,120 billion dollars, up 17.6 per cent compared with the same period in 2025.
Trade surplus hits a record high: exceeds 125 billion dollars
China also recorded a record trade surplus of $125.62 billion, up from $113.89 billion in the same month of 2025 and, once again, exceeding analysts’ expectations of $121 billion. This was revealed in figures released today by the General Administration of Customs.
Exports to the US up by 13.9%
According to official figures from the General Administration of Customs, Chinese exports to the United States rose by 13.9 per cent year-on-year last month. Exports to the US reached $43.5 billion, bringing China’s trade surplus with the United States to $28.9 billion.
