China’s exports surged by 12.4% in March compared to the same month last year, as companies hurried to ship goods ahead of new U.S. tariffs introduced by President Donald Trump. In contrast, imports dropped 4.3%, according to data released Monday by China’s customs administration.
During the first quarter of the year, exports rose 5.8% year-over-year, while imports declined by 7%. China’s trade surplus with the United States reached $27.6 billion in March alone, with exports to the U.S. increasing by 4.5%. Over the first three months of the year, China’s surplus with the U.S. totaled $76.6 billion.
The surge in March exports comes as China faces sharply higher tariffs from the U.S., with rates as high as 145% on most goods following the latest updates in U.S. trade policy.
Despite pressure from Washington, China experienced its strongest export growth in Southeast Asia. Shipments to neighboring countries rose nearly 17% in March from the previous year, and exports to Africa climbed by more than 11%.
President Xi Jinping began a regional tour on Monday, starting in Vietnam and with stops planned in Malaysia and Cambodia. The trip offers him a chance to strengthen economic partnerships with regional nations that may also be impacted by U.S. trade measures. Trump recently announced a 90-day delay on enforcing certain tariffs, adding more urgency to Xi’s diplomatic outreach.
China’s exports to Vietnam alone surged nearly 17% in March year-on-year, while imports from Vietnam dropped 2.7%.
Although Xi’s visit was likely scheduled in advance, it takes on greater importance given the escalating trade tensions between Beijing and Washington.
Speaking at a press conference, customs spokesperson Lyu Daliang acknowledged that China faces a “complex and severe external situation.” However, he emphasized that the country’s broad range of trading partners and vast domestic market provide stability.
When asked about the decline in imports, Lyu noted that China has remained the world’s second-largest importer for 16 consecutive years. Its share of global imports has risen from around 8% to 10.5% during that time.
“Looking ahead, China’s import potential remains substantial,” he said. “Our large market continues to present significant opportunities for the global economy.”
