Business · Trade · 1 hr ago
China’s trade surplus reaches $1.04tn in first 10 months
China’s trade surplus reached $1.04 trillion in the first 10 months of the year, exceeding $1 trillion for a second straight year.
Exports rose 35.2% in October from a year earlier, while imports grew 41.6%.
Demand for high-tech goods, including products linked to AI infrastructure, helped drive exports.
This strength matters because weak consumer spending and a prolonged property downturn have weighed on demand inside China.
Greater reliance on overseas sales could leave China more exposed if global demand slows, and may add to trade tensions with the European Union and the United States.
China has extended its trade truce with Washington by two months, and leaders from both countries are expected to meet at next week’s APEC summit in Shenzhen.
Trade rules and tariffs are likely to be key issues as China’s exports are expected to stay strong near term, though the outlook depends partly on how long the global AI investment boom lasts.
China’s trade surplus reached $1.04 trillion in the first 10 months of 2026, exceeding $1 trillion for a second straight year.
October exports rose 35.2% from a year earlier, while imports grew 41.6%.
The global push to build AI infrastructure has supported demand for Chinese high-tech exports as weak domestic demand weighs on the economy.
The growing surplus has heightened concerns about trade imbalances and could worsen tensions with major trading partners, including the European Union and the United States.
- Who
- China and its trading partners, including the European Union and the United States.
- What
- China’s trade surplus reached $1.04 trillion in the first 10 months of 2026. October exports rose 35.2% year on year and imports rose 41.6%.
- When
- The figures cover January to October 2026; customs data was released on November 10.
- Where
- China’s trade with the rest of the world.
- Why
- Strong overseas demand, including demand for high-tech products linked to AI infrastructure, supported exports as domestic demand remained weak.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
China’s exports grew 36.3% year on year and its trade surplus was $133.5 billion.
Exports rose 35.2% and imports rose 41.6% year on year; the monthly trade surplus narrowed to $105.3 billion, according to AP.
Customs data showed China’s trade surplus had reached $1.04 trillion for the first 10 months of the year.
- Trade surplus, January–October 2026
- $1.04 trillion
- October export growth
- 35.2% year on year
- October import growth
- 41.6% year on year
- October monthly trade surplus
- $105.3 billion, according to AP
- October exports
- US$412.33 billion, according to SCMP
15 sources
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What people are saying
The risk of additional tariffs and other trade barriers will remain elevated in 2027, particularly as Chinese manufacturers continue expanding their presence in overseas markets.
We expect Chinese exports to stay strong for the rest of this year, led by electronics and autos
The situation is not sustainable