China’s Trade Surplus Blasts Past $1 Trillion for the First Time, Defying Global Headwinds

News Desk: In a milestone moment for the global economy, China’s trade surplus has crossed the $1 trillion mark for the first time, signalling the country’s remarkable resilience amid a turbulent international trade environment.

According to data reported by CNBC, China’s trade surplus hit $1.076 trillion by November 2025, marking a 21.6% year-on-year jump despite lingering tariff battles and cooling demand from its largest markets.

China’s trade surplus – the difference between the value of goods it imports and exports – has hit $1 trillion, a significant yardstick in the country’s role as “factory of the world.”

Here’s what you need to know about Beijing’s export dominance https://t.co/y3Fz9CqGzy pic.twitter.com/VG5zNHFeet

— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) December 9, 2025

Exports Rise, Imports Dip — Surplus Soars

During the first 11 months of 2025, Chinese exports grew 5.4% compared to the same period last year, even as imports slipped 0.6%. The resulting surge placed China’s surplus at unprecedented levels, cementing its position as a dominant force in global manufacturing and exports.

Economists note that China’s export engine continues to hum despite declining shipments to the United States — a consequence of ongoing tariff frictions.

“China continues to rely less on selling to the US,” observed Peter Boockvar, CIO at One Point BFG Wealth Partners. He added that Beijing is increasingly leaning on its vast domestic savings pool to boost consumption and reduce dependence on export-driven growth.

Analysts Expect Bigger Boost to 2025 Growth

Experts believe the record surplus will aid China’s broader economic outlook.

Lynn Song, ING’s chief economist for Greater China, told the South China Morning Post that China’s exports have shown “a robust rebound despite tariff pressures,” noting a 22% surge over last year’s levels.

Song expects the swelling surplus to support stronger GDP growth in 2025.

Zhang Zhiwei, chief economist at Pinpoint Asset Management, echoed that sentiment. “The economy appears on track to deliver around 5% growth this year, matching the government’s target. The upcoming Politburo meeting will clarify policy direction heading into 2026,” he said.

US–China Relations Show Signs of Thaw

The record trade surplus comes after a tense period in US–China ties marked by tariff escalations and sanctions earlier this year. Relations have inched upward in recent months, with both countries agreeing to reduce select tariffs and delay export controls.

Diplomatic momentum continued in November when US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping held a phone conversation, during which Trump confirmed plans to visit Beijing in 2026.

Economists say stabilising ties could support trade flows next year, though structural competition between the world’s two largest economies is expected to persist.