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China’s Exports Soar 21.8% to Start 2026 as Jan–Feb Surplus Reaches $213.6 Billion

The outturn underscores a pivot to non‑U.S. markets under persistent tariffs.

An aerial view shows containers and cargo vessels at the Qingdao port in Shandong province, China May 9, 2022. Picture taken with a drone. China Daily via REUTERS
Image
A cargo ship with containers docks at a terminal of the Yantian port in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, China October 30, 2025. REUTERS/Tingshu Wang
Workers prepare humanoid robots for a performance at a trade fair in Beijing, China, Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)

Overview

  • Official customs data show exports rising 21.8% year over year in January–February, imports up 19.8%, and a combined trade surplus of $213.6 billion that topped forecasts.
  • Shipments to the United States fell 11% while exports to the European Union jumped 27.8% and to ASEAN climbed 29.2%, with gains also reported to Latin America.
  • Manufacturers have redirected sales to Southeast Asia, Africa and Latin America to offset weaker U.S. demand, leaving China on track to potentially exceed last year’s record surplus.
  • Beijing set a 2026 GDP growth goal of 4.5%–5% as domestic demand remains soft, reinforcing reliance on external demand to drive activity.
  • President Trump is expected to visit Beijing later in March for talks, with some U.S. tariffs pared back by court rulings even as many duties remain in place.