China’s exports soared 12.4% in March compared to the same period last year, as exporters rushed shipments ahead of higher U.S. tariffs introduced under President Donald Trump’s trade policies, the country’s customs authority reported on Monday.
Imports, however, declined by 4.3% in March, UNB reports.
In the first quarter of the year, exports from the world’s second-largest economy rose by 5.8%, while imports dropped 7% year-on-year.
China recorded a trade surplus of $27.6 billion with the United States in March, with exports to the U.S. climbing 4.5%. For the first three months of the year, the surplus reached $76.6 billion.
Following recent changes in U.S. trade policy, Chinese goods are now subject to tariffs as high as 145%.
Despite trade tensions with the U.S., China saw notable growth in exports to other regions. Shipments to Southeast Asia rose nearly 17% in March from a year earlier, while exports to Africa increased over 11%.
Chinese President Xi Jinping was in Vietnam on Monday, kicking off a regional tour that includes stops in Malaysia and Cambodia. The trip, which appears to be aimed at strengthening trade ties with neighboring nations also facing potential U.S. tariffs, gained additional relevance amid ongoing trade disputes with Washington. Last week, the U.S. delayed enforcement of some of the tariffs by 90 days.
Trade between China and Vietnam saw significant changes in March, with exports from China rising nearly 17% and imports from Vietnam slipping by 2.7%.
Though Xi’s visit was likely scheduled in advance, it carries added diplomatic and economic importance as trade tensions intensify.
Lyu Daliang, a spokesperson for the customs administration, acknowledged the difficult global trade environment but emphasized China’s resilience. He noted the country’s diverse export markets and its vast domestic economy as stabilizing factors.
He also highlighted China’s consistent role as the world’s second-largest importer for 16 consecutive years, growing its share of global imports from around 8% to 10.5%.
“Looking ahead, China still has significant potential for import growth, and our large domestic market continues to offer vast opportunities for global businesses,” Lyu said.
