China's exports for the first two months of this year surged by over 20% despite persistent trade tensions with the US regime. Official figures show the export growth rate was nearly three times higher than economists' predictions, putting the country on track to surpass the record-breaking annual trade surplus recorded in 2025.

The announcement comes as US President Donald Trump is expected to visit China in early April to meet with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. The world's second-largest economy remains heavily reliant on exports as it grapples with multiple domestic challenges, including weak consumer spending, a shrinking population, and a protracted property market crisis.

Beijing typically combines January and February trade data to adjust for distortions caused by the Lunar New Year holiday, which falls on different dates annually. China's export boost was driven by strong demand for electronics, alongside increased shipments of agricultural and manufactured goods.

Trade with European countries grew by 27.8%, while exports to ASEAN nations—a group of Southeast Asian countries including Thailand, Singapore, and the Philippines—climbed by nearly 30%. However, China's exports to America fell by more than 10% after Trump imposed tariffs and other measures purportedly aimed at addressing trade imbalances between the two nations.

Last week, China set an annual economic growth target of 4.5% to 5%, down from its 5% goal in 2025, which had been met largely due to export performance. Exports have been the key driver of China's economy, sustaining it despite poor domestic consumption and a property sector slump.

The meeting between Trump and Xi occurs as China, like many countries in Asia, contends with the economic fallout from the US-Israeli war with Iran, which has disrupted global energy markets and added further strain to regional stability.

Source: www.bbc.com