China’s March exports rose over 12% as businesses frontloaded shipments due to rising trade tensions

24 Apr, 2025

China’s exports saw a significant rise in March 2025, jumping 12.4% year-on-year to $313.9 billion, according to official customs data. This sharp increase is largely attributed to businesses rushing to frontload shipments ahead of looming U.S. tariff hikes. Exporters accelerated deliveries in anticipation of stricter trade policies as tensions between the U.S. and China continue to escalate

The surge in exports came despite a backdrop of declining global demand and ongoing trade uncertainties. While exports rose, China’s imports dropped by 4.3% to $211.3 billion in the same month. The drop in imports points to subdued domestic consumption and slowing industrial demand. Major declines were recorded in the imports of soybeans and iron ore, key indicators of manufacturing activity

Crude oil imports, however, showed a 4.8% increase from a year earlier, with China importing record volumes from countries like Iran. This uptick reflects China’s ongoing efforts to diversify energy sources and secure stable supplies amid geopolitical risks. The country’s overall trade surplus expanded to $102.6 billion, reinforcing the gap between strong export growth and falling import demand

Analysts caution that the robust export growth may be temporary. Much of the increase is believed to stem from short-term efforts by companies to avoid higher costs from newly imposed U.S. tariffs, which have reached up to 145% on some Chinese goods. In response, China has imposed its own retaliatory tariffs on American products, deepening the trade conflict

Looking ahead, economists warn of potential headwinds for China’s economy. While March figures offer a short-term boost, sustained growth may be challenged by global inflation, weak overseas demand, and rising trade protectionism. Chinese officials are pushing for greater domestic resilience by promoting internal consumption and expanding trade partnerships with developing regions like Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America to offset Western pressure.

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