China's Trade Surplus Soared In Jan-Feb Period, Stocks Rebounded

Li Chen
10 Mar, 2026
Hong Kong

Benchmark indexes in China and Hong Kong rebounded amid expectations that the conflict in the Middle East is likely to de-escalate in the immediate future. 

The Hang Seng Index increased 1.6%, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index gained 1% after crude oil prices eased. 

The U.S. president signaled that the U.S. may end its missile strikes at targets in Iran, claiming that the U.S. objectives in Iran were "pretty well achieved." 

The sharp jump in crude oil prices and extreme pressure from allies in the Middle East and Europe appear to have forced Donald Trump from backing down in continuing the latest military strikes in Iran.

Brent crude oil prices dropped 6% to $92.47 a barrel, and gold prices advanced 0.6% to $5173.34 an ounce. 

 

China's Trade Surplus Soared Amid Sustained Growth in Exports

China's exports in the first two months of 2026 soared, driven by strong shipments to member nations in the ASEAN region and the European Union.

China reports two months of data to smooth out distortions due to the Lunar New Year calendar shift.

China's goods exports soared 21.8% from a year ago in the Jan-Feb period to $656.7 billion, according to the General Customs Administration. 

The surge in global demand for Chinese renewable energy products and electric vehicles accelerated the increase from a 6% gain in December.

Imports for the two-month period rose by 19.8% from a year ago to $442.9 billion, compared to a 5.7% increase in December. 

Exports to the European Union soared 27.8% and to the ASEAN region advanced 29.4%, but shipments to the U.S. fell 11% from a year ago, respectively. 

The continued demand for electrical products, home goods, and solar panels drove higher shipments to Africa by 50% and Latin America by 16.4%.

The international trade surplus rose to $213.6 billion in the two-month period, compared to $169 billion a year ago.

 

China Indexes and Stocks 

The Hang Seng Index added 1.6% to 25,804.70, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index advanced 1% to 4,665.57. 

Contemporary Amperex Technology soared 9.2% to HK $549.50 after the battery maker reported its latest financial results. 

The company reported a 42% jump in annual profit in 2025, driven by strong battery sales and expansion into energy storage devices.