China's Higher Global Shipments Lifted 2025 Trade Surplus Above $1 Trillion

Li Chen
14 Jan, 2026
Hong Kong

China's markets advanced for the second consecutive session amid rising geopolitical tensions. 

The Hang Seng Index rose 0.9%, and the mainland China-focused CSI 300 Index advanced 1% as foreign investors pivot away from U.S. assets. 

The U.S. president signaled his readiness to carry out additional strikes in Iran, using the latest popular uprising in Tehran as a pretext.  

In addition, Trump reiterated his threats to acquire Greenland and dictate events in Ukraine. 

Moreover, European nations struggled to offer additional military and financial support to Ukraine as Russia stepped up missile attacks in Kyiv. 

Crude oil and base and precious metals advanced as investors sought safe haven and anticipated further dollar weakness in the months ahead. 

 

China's Trade Surplus Soared 20% in 2025

China's export growth accelerated in December, as businesses diversified shipments to the ASEAN region, Africa, and the European Union. 

China's trade surplus rose 20% to $1.2 trillion in 2025, as exports advanced 5.5% to $3.8 trillion and imports remained flat at $2.6 trillion, according to the latest data released by the General Administration of Customs.  

Exports surged 6.6% to $357.8 billion, accelerating from a 5.9% rise, as shipments to the ASEAN region advanced 11.1% and to the European Union increased 11.6% from a year ago, respectively. 

Shipments to Africa soared 21.8%, and those to Japan advanced 5.3%; however, exports to the U.S. declined 30% amid persistent tariff headwinds. 

China's surging shipments of renewable energy products, electric vehicles, and industrial automation systems drove the overall exports in 2025, amid shifting trade patterns. 

For 2025, shipments to the U.S. declined 20% after the Trump administration launched a global tariff war and slapped aggressive duties on goods from China. 

Imports from the U.S. declined 14.6%, as Chinese firms stepped up agriculture products sourcing from Brazil, Argentina, Peru and African nations. 

Exports to Africa soared 25.8%, to the European Union advanced 8.4%, and to the ASEAN region increased 13.4% amid rising demand for renewable energy products, basic chemicals, and low-end electronic goods. 

Imports in December advanced 5.7% to $243.6 billion, as falling crude oil prices contributed to a slower rise in import bills. 

China's monthly trade surplus stayed above $100 billion for seven months in 2025, highlighting the success of Chinese firms even as Trump tariffs dented shipments to the U.S.

 

China Indexes and Stocks 

The Hang Seng Index advanced 0.9% to 27,093.49, and the CSI 300 Index rose 1% to 4,812.48. 

Technology companies, including semiconductor designers and makers, e-commerce platform operators, and content platforms, advanced amid additional buying by foreign investors. 

Alibaba Group soared 5%, Tencent Holdings added 1.7%, Xiaomi Corp. increased 0.6%, and NetEase edged up 0.5%.