China’s Annual Trade Surplus Hits Record $1.2 Trillion in 2025

China’s exports surged 6.6% in dollar terms last month from a year earlier, exceeding economists expectations and catapulting the annual trade surplus to a record high. Meanwhile, imports rose to 5.7%, marking the fastest pace seen in three months and beating analysts expectations for a 0.9% growth. For the full year, China’s exports grew 5.5%, while imports stayed flat, taking Beijing’s trade surplus to $1.19 trillion, up 20% from 2024. Shipments to the U.S. plunged 30% in December from a year ago and declined for the ninth straight month while imports dropped 29%. China's spokesperson for customs authority LV Daliang said that trade with the U.S. should be "mutually beneficial”, calling for “dialogue and negotiation”. However, China’s exports to the European Union and Association of Southeast Asian Nations rose 12% and 11%, respectively, in December.