China’s exports beat forecast in March amid lingering trade war concerns

China’s exports surged 12.4% in March in comparison with a yr earlier, beating expectations as firms rushed to ship items forward of steep new US tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump, in line with authorities information launched Monday. Imports, in the meantime, dropped by 4.3% as international trade circumstances remained unstable.
In the primary quarter of 2025, exports from the world’s second-largest financial system rose 5.8%, whereas imports fell 7%. The trade steadiness with the United States remained a focus, with China posting a $27.6 billion surplus in March, as exports to the US rose 4.5%. For the quarter, China’s surplus with the US reached $76.6 billion.
The export increase comes as China faces 145% tariffs on lots of its shipments to the US, following latest revisions in American trade coverage. Yet, Chinese exporters discovered robust momentum in different areas, significantly Southeast Asia, the place exports jumped almost 17% in March year-on-year. Exports to African markets additionally climbed greater than 11%.
Vietnam emerged as a key accomplice, with Chinese exports rising almost 17% in March in comparison with final yr, although imports from Vietnam declined by 2.7%.
Chinese President Xi Jinping was en path to Vietnam on Monday as a part of a broader regional tour together with Malaysia and Cambodia. While the journey was probably scheduled in advance, it took on added significance amid rising tensions with Washington. Several Asian nations, like China, are additionally bracing for potential new tariffs, though the US introduced a 90-day delay in implementing these measures final week.
Despite the exterior challenges, Chinese customs spokesperson Lyu Daliang expressed cautious optimism. “China is facing a complex and severe external situation,” Lyu mentioned, “but the sky will not fall.” He emphasised China’s continued significance as a world market, noting that it has been the world’s second-largest importer for 16 consecutive years, with its share of worldwide imports rising from 8% to 10.5%.
“At present and in the future, China’s import growth space is huge,” Lyu added. “The large Chinese market is always a great opportunity for the world.”