Did you hear? 🚀 China’s goods trade surplus with the world just topped a record-breaking 1 trillion yuan in the first 11 months of 2025, according to the General Administration of Customs (GAC). That’s proof of its export muscle and smart import strategy.
What’s a trade surplus? It’s when a country’s exports exceed its imports. This year, China’s total merchandise trade climbed 3.6% year-on-year to 41.21 trillion yuan (about $5.83 trillion).
Key trading partners:
- ASEAN: 6.82 trillion yuan, up 8.5% 🔥
- European Union: 5.37 trillion yuan, up 5.4% 💪
- United States: 3.69 trillion yuan, down 16.9% 📉
Diversified exports driving growth
China isn’t just any trade power—it’s the world’s top manufacturer. With a full industrial setup and strong supply chains, it ranks first or near the top in most of the 504 major industrial products globally. Experts say this diversity helps weather global ups and downs.
Tech supercharge: chips & new energy vehicles
AI investments surged this year, and China’s manufacturing upgrade paid off. Exports of integrated circuits reached 1.29 trillion yuan (up 25.6%), while automobiles hit 896.9 billion yuan (up 17.6%). 💡🔋
Import prices keep surplus growing
Even as China imported more raw materials, lower global prices for oil, coal and iron ore helped keep the import bill in check. For instance, iron ore imports rose 1.4% to 1.139 billion tonnes, but average prices dropped 9.4%, widening the gap.
For young professionals in South and Southeast Asia, these trends matter—your gadgets, EVs and AI innovations are all part of this global story. What do you think? Share your thoughts! 👇
Reference(s):
China's $1 trln+ trade surplus: Diversified exports, expanding imports
cgtn.com
