ECONOMY

China’s December Exports Beat Forecasts, Annual Trade Surplus Hits Record

Published: Jan. 14, 2026 6:40 p.m. GMT+8

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Yantai Port in Shandong province. Photo: VCG

China’s exports beat expectations in December, capping a year in which shifting global supply chains pushed the country’s trade surplus to a record $1.19 trillion, customs data showed.

Overseas shipments rose 6.6% year-on-year in dollar terms in December, the General Administration of Customs said Wednesday, above the 3.4% average forecast in a Caixin survey. Imports rose 5.7%, the fastest pace in three months.

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China’s 2024 trade surplus hit a record $1.19 trillion, with December exports up 6.6% and imports up 5.7% year-on-year.
Exports to the U.S. fell 20% and imports declined 14.6% in 2025, though the U.S. remains China’s top export destination.
December saw strong growth in shipments to ASEAN (11.1%), EU (11.5%), and higher-value goods, notably high-tech exports (16.7%).

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