China has shattered records with its trillion-dollar trade surplus for the first time in history, defying expectations that Donald Trump's administration would be able to curb the manufacturing powerhouse's exports. The latest data shows China's full-year trade surplus reached $1.189 trillion, rivaling the GDP of top economies globally like Saudi Arabia.
The Chinese government attributes its success to its diversified trading partners, particularly south-east Asia, Africa, and Latin America, which have allowed Beijing to offset US duties and maintain a strong grip on global markets. However, economists warn that China's reliance on these countries may pose risks to the economies of its trading partners.
China's exports have continued to soar, with outbound shipments growing 6.6% in value terms year-on-year in December, exceeding forecasts. The country's ability to withstand tariffs has been significantly enhanced due to its diversified trading partners, according to Wang Jun, a vice-minister at China's customs administration.
The Chinese government has taken steps to rebalance its economy by promoting imports and reducing industrial exports. This includes scrapping subsidy-like export tax rebates for the solar industry, which was a point of friction with EU states.
Lawmakers in China have passed revisions to the foreign trade law, signaling that Beijing is prepared to shift from industrial subsidies towards freer, more open trade. However, US duties on Chinese goods remain high at 47.5%, well above the level analysts say enables Chinese firms to export to the US at a profit.
Despite these challenges, China's economy appears to be gaining global market share this year, thanks in part to Chinese firms setting up overseas production hubs that provide lower-tariff access to the US and EU. The country's car-making industry saw significant exports growth last year, with pure EV shipments rising 48.8%.
The Chinese government attributes its success to its diversified trading partners, particularly south-east Asia, Africa, and Latin America, which have allowed Beijing to offset US duties and maintain a strong grip on global markets. However, economists warn that China's reliance on these countries may pose risks to the economies of its trading partners.
China's exports have continued to soar, with outbound shipments growing 6.6% in value terms year-on-year in December, exceeding forecasts. The country's ability to withstand tariffs has been significantly enhanced due to its diversified trading partners, according to Wang Jun, a vice-minister at China's customs administration.
The Chinese government has taken steps to rebalance its economy by promoting imports and reducing industrial exports. This includes scrapping subsidy-like export tax rebates for the solar industry, which was a point of friction with EU states.
Lawmakers in China have passed revisions to the foreign trade law, signaling that Beijing is prepared to shift from industrial subsidies towards freer, more open trade. However, US duties on Chinese goods remain high at 47.5%, well above the level analysts say enables Chinese firms to export to the US at a profit.
Despite these challenges, China's economy appears to be gaining global market share this year, thanks in part to Chinese firms setting up overseas production hubs that provide lower-tariff access to the US and EU. The country's car-making industry saw significant exports growth last year, with pure EV shipments rising 48.8%.