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China recorded the world’s largest-ever trade surplus in 2025, reaching $1.2 trillion as exporters shifted focus away from the U.S. amid ongoing trade tensions.
The surplus, up 20% from 2024, reflects Beijing’s pivot toward emerging markets in Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America as exports to the U.S. fell 19.5% year-on-year.
Customs data showed total exports at $3.7 trillion and imports at $2.58 trillion. December alone saw a 6.6% increase in exports compared with the same month in 2024, surpassing economists’ expectations.
High-tech goods such as industrial robots and machine tools rose 13%, while electric vehicles, lithium batteries, and solar panels jumped 27%. Exports to Africa increased 26.5%, ASEAN 14%, the EU 9%, and Latin America 8%.
Despite rising tensions and tariffs with the U.S., China expanded into other global markets, strengthening its economic footprint and resilience. Officials say strong exports give Beijing confidence in trade negotiations with Washington and other partners.
Deputy Customs Administrator Wang Jun said the country will “open more” in 2026, signaling continued reliance on exports to drive growth amid sluggish domestic demand. Economists expect China’s trade surplus to remain above $1 trillion this year, though export growth may slow slightly.
The record surplus is likely to raise concerns among trading partners about dependence on Chinese goods and the impact on domestic industries.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he has given an instruction for Israel to begin peace talks with Lebanon that would also include the disarming of Hezbollah.
Afghanistan and Pakistan have agreed to continue dialogue and avoid steps that could worsen tensions after China-hosted talks in Urumqi, with Kabul and Beijing saying the meetings focused on easing differences and improving relations.
Amid fragile calm, António Guterres urged constructive U.S.- Iran talks, while Pope Leo XIV warned violence is spreading. Lebanon's President said an Israeli strike killed 13 security personnel in Nabatieh.
Memorial events were held in Tehran’s main squares on Wednesday (8 April) to mark the 40th day since the killing of former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who died during U.S.-Israeli attacks on 28 February.
Dubai has restricted foreign airlines to one daily flight to its airports until 31 May due to the Iran crisis, raising fears of significant revenue losses for Indian carriers, industry letters show.
A French fashion label is placing China at the heart of its global ambitions, choosing Shanghai for its worldwide debut in a move that shows growing confidence in the country’s consumer market and cultural influence.
Walt Disney is planning to cut up to 1,000 jobs in the coming weeks, with many of the reductions expected to affect its marketing division, The Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday, citing sources familiar with the plans.
Major automakers showcased new electric vehicles at the New York Auto Show this week, under the slogan “electrification is the future." However, weakening demand in the United States and intense competition with China are raising questions for markets across the globe, including the South Caucasus.
The U.S. national average retail price of petrol rose above $4 a gallon for the first time in over three years on Monday (30 March), according to GasBuddy data, as the U.S.–Israeli war with Iran continued to roil global energy markets.
Japan and Indonesia will deepen coordination on energy security, Tokyo said, as the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran disrupts vital oil and gas flows to Asia.
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