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China posts surprise export surge, even as US shipments plunge

A container ship arrives at Lianyungang port in Lianyungang, in China’s eastern Jiangsu province in the morning on May 2, 2025. (AFP Photo)
A container ship arrives at Lianyungang port in Lianyungang, in China’s eastern Jiangsu province in the morning on May 2, 2025. (AFP Photo)
May 09, 2025 11:36 AM GMT+03:00

Chinese exports surged in April despite ongoing trade tensions with the United States, official data showed Friday, even as shipments to the U.S. market recorded a steep monthly decline.

While overall exports grew by 8.1% year-over-year—far surpassing the 2% growth projected in a Bloomberg survey—shipments to the U.S. fell by 17.6% month-on-month due to American tariffs of up to 145%.

These figures come just ahead of scheduled talks in Geneva over the weekend between officials from the world’s two largest economies, marking the first high-level engagement since the onset of the current tariff dispute in April.

A cargo ship loaded with containers leaves the port in Qingdao, in eastern China's Shandong province on May 7, 2025. (AFP Photo)
A cargo ship loaded with containers leaves the port in Qingdao, in eastern China's Shandong province on May 7, 2025. (AFP Photo)

China's trade flow shifts toward Southeast Asia

The Chinese customs data also pointed to a notable rise in exports to regional partners. Shipments to Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam rose by double digits, reflecting a broader shift in global supply chains as exporters seek to mitigate the effects of U.S. tariffs.

On the import side, China reported a 0.2% year-over-year decline in April, a smaller drop than the 6% contraction forecast by analysts, indicating relatively resilient domestic demand.

In response to persistent economic headwinds, Chinese authorities have introduced a new round of monetary easing measures, including interest rate cuts and reductions in banks’ reserve requirements, to stimulate activity. Additional steps have also been taken to support the struggling property sector, a major contributor to past economic growth.

While U.S. officials have expressed hopes that upcoming discussions may ease trade tensions, tariffs on Chinese goods remain in place, and uncertainty continues to cast a shadow over global trade dynamics.

May 09, 2025 11:36 AM GMT+03:00
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