ECONOMY

China’s Export Growth Slows Sharply as Imports Jump

Published: Apr. 14, 2026 6:21 p.m. GMT+8

00:00

00:00/00:00

Listen to this article 1x

China’s export growth slowed sharply in March while imports surged, underscoring volatility in trade flows amid seasonal distortions and rising geopolitical tensions.

Exports rose 2.5% year-on-year in dollar terms, missing expectations and down sharply from the pace in the first two months, customs data showed Tuesday. Imports jumped 27.8%, far exceeding forecasts and narrowing the trade surplus by nearly half year-on-year to $51.1 billion.

China’s Export Growth Slows as Imports Surge

The divergence partly reflected distortions from the Lunar New Year, as well as disruptions linked to the Iran conflict, which have pushed up fuel and shipping costs.

You've accessed an article available only to subscribers

Subscribe today for just $.99.

VIEW OPTIONS

Unlock exclusive discounts with a Caixin group subscription — ideal for teams and organizations.

Subscribe to both Caixin Global and The Wall Street Journal — for the price of one.

Share this article

Open WeChat and scan the QR code

DIGEST HUB

Digest Hub

Back

Explore the story in 30 seconds

China's March exports rose 2.5% YoY, missing expectations; imports jumped 27.8%, narrowing trade surplus to $51.1B.
Divergence from Lunar New Year distortions and Iran conflict raising fuel/shipping costs; Middle East trade declined.
Q1 exports grew 14.7%; US shipments fell 26.5%, EU/ASEAN posted gains.

AI generated, for reference only