China’s exports surged 12.4% in March compared to a year earlier, beating expectations as companies rushed to ship goods ahead of steep new US tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump, according to government data released Monday. Imports, meanwhile, dropped by 4.3% as global trade conditions remained volatile.
In the first quarter of 2025, exports from the world’s second-largest economy rose 5.8%, while imports fell 7%. The trade balance with the United States remained a focal point, 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 boost comes as China faces 145% tariffs on many of its shipments to the US, following recent revisions in American trade policy. Yet, Chinese exporters found strong momentum in other regions, particularly Southeast Asia, where exports jumped nearly 17% in March year-on-year. Exports to African markets also climbed more than 11%.
Vietnam emerged as a key partner, with Chinese exports rising nearly 17% in March compared to last year, though imports from Vietnam declined by 2.7%.
Chinese President Xi Jinping was en route to Vietnam on Monday as part of a broader regional tour including Malaysia and Cambodia. While the trip was likely scheduled in advance, it took on added significance amid rising tensions with Washington. Several Asian nations, like China, are also bracing for potential new tariffs, although the US announced a 90-day delay in enforcing these measures last week.
Despite the external challenges, Chinese customs spokesperson Lyu Daliang expressed cautious optimism. “China is facing a complex and severe external situation,” Lyu said, “but the sky will not fall.” He emphasized China’s continued importance as a global market, noting that it has been the world’s second-largest importer for 16 consecutive years, with its share of global 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.”