China’s Exports Surge Amid U.S. Tariff Hikes, Imports Decline

China’s exports soared by 12.4% in March compared to the previous year, driven by businesses hastening shipments to evade escalating U.S. tariffs under President Donald Trump, according to government data released Monday. Meanwhile, imports dropped by 4.3%, the customs administration reported.

For the first quarter of 2025, China’s exports, from the world’s second-largest economy, grew by 5.8% year-on-year, while imports declined by 7%. The trade surplus with the U.S. reached $27.6 billion in March, with exports to the U.S. up by 4.5%. Over the first three months, China’s surplus with the U.S. totaled $76.6 billion.

Currently, China faces 145% tariffs on most goods exported to the U.S., reflecting recent adjustments in Trump’s trade policies. Despite this, China’s exports to Southeast Asia surged nearly 17% in March, with Africa seeing an increase of over 11%.

On Monday, Chinese President Xi Jinping began a regional tour in Vietnam, with planned stops in Malaysia and Cambodia, aiming to strengthen trade relations with Asian nations also grappling with potential tariff hikes. Last week, Trump postponed enforcing these tariffs for 90 days. China’s exports to Vietnam rose nearly 17% in March, while imports from Vietnam fell 2.7%.

Xi’s trip, likely scheduled before the latest trade tensions, has taken on greater importance as the U.S.-China trade dispute intensifies. Lyu Daliang, a customs administration spokesperson, acknowledged the “complex and severe external situation” but remained optimistic, citing China’s diverse export markets and vast domestic consumer base. He noted that China has been the world’s second-largest importer for 16 consecutive years, with its share of global imports rising from 8% to 10.5%.

“China’s import growth potential remains substantial, and its large market continues to offer significant opportunities globally,” Lyu told