BUSINESS

China’s Machinery, Tech Exports Hit Record as U.S. Shipments Rebound

Published: May. 19, 2026 10:17 p.m. GMT+8

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Workers assemble agricultural micro-tillers on a production line at an electromechanical company in Chongqing on March 9, 2026. Photo: IC

China’s exports of mechanical and electrical products rose to a monthly record in April, while growth in shipments to the U.S. turned positive for the first time in a year.

The figures highlighted the uneven shape of China’s trade engine, with high-tech and auto-related exports offsetting weakness in consumer goods and shifting U.S. tariff effects complicating year-on-year comparisons.

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China's mechanical and electrical exports hit a monthly record of $229.3B in April, up 20% YoY, led by integrated circuits (+100.1%) and vehicles (+44%).
Exports to the U.S. rebounded 11.3% in April, first positive YoY since April 2025, aided by a low base and a 6.2-point drop in effective U.S. tariff rate to 27.7%.
Consumer goods exports fell, with footwear down 17.1%; U.S. soybean imports surged 49.3% in April, helping U.S. imports rebound to 9% growth.

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