China posts historic $1.2 trillion trade surplus despite US tariffs

China recorded a historic trade surplus of $1.2 trillion in 2025, despite Trump tariffs and declining exports to the United States (U.S.).

For context, a trade surplus is the amount by which the value of a country's exports exceeds the cost of its imports.

Recently released data shows that Chinese exports to the U.S., previously its largest trading partner, decreased by 19.5 percent in 2025. 

However, expansion into new markets in Southeast Asia, Africa and Latin America proved beneficial for the Chinese economy.

In a press briefing on Wednesday, Deputy Administrator of the Chinese Custom Bureau, Wang Jun, said, “China forged ahead despite facing a complex and challenging external environment.”

Since Trump’s return to the Oval Office in January 2025, the U.S. and China have engaged in tit-for-tat trade confrontation, reducing trade between both countries.

The 20 percent year-on-year increase in trade surplus is credited to exports of high-tech goods, such as machine tools and industrial robots, increased by 13 percent and exports for electric vehicles, lithium batteries and photovoltaic products surged by 27 percent.

Amid the tariff war with the U.S., Chinese exports to Africa increased by 26.5 percent, to Latin America increased by 8 percent and to Southeast Asia by 14 percent.