China’s exports rose sharply at the start of 2026, reinforcing the country’s status as the world’s largest trading nation ahead of a planned meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing.
Customs data shows exports grew far faster than expected, highlighting the resilience of China’s manufacturing sector and its expanding trade surplus — a key point of tension in US–China trade relations.
Key developments:
• Exports increased 21.8% year-on-year in January–February, well above forecasts of 7.1%.
• Imports rose 19.8%, signalling stronger demand for commodities and technology components.
• China recorded a $213.6bn trade surplus, up 25.3% from the same period in 2025.
• Exports to south-east Asia surged 29.4% and to the EU 27.8%, while shipments to the United States fell 11%.
Economists say rising imports suggest Beijing is attempting to boost domestic demand, though weak consumption and a prolonged property slowdown continue to drive China’s large global trade surplus.
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