China’s Export Boom Far From Over After Record Trade Surplus (1)

China’s exports ended last year with a growth spurt and sent its trade surplusto a record $1.2 trillion in 2025, extending a boom that’s seen factories escape Donald Trump’s tariffs by making deeper inroads into markets beyond the US.

The resilience was the biggest surprise for an ailing Chinese economy last year and could cushion it in the months to come. Defying expectations for a slowdown, exports picked up last month — a feat given a high base of comparison from a year ago, when Trump’s re-election to the presidency sparked panicked front-loading of orders.

The 6.6% gain ...