Chinese trade surplus: over $1 trillion in 10 months

Exports grew by 35.2% in October

China's exports increased 35.2% year-on-year to $412.33 billion. The figure exceeded analysts' forecasts, which indicated an increase of 33.5%, although showing a slowdown compared to the +36.3% recorded in September. Global demand continues to support foreign sales linked to the boom in investments in artificial intelligence infrastructure, which fuels purchases of technological products from China.

Imports beyond expectations, surplus towards a new record

Imports grew by 41.6%, reaching 307.05 billion dollars and accelerating compared to +31% in the previous month. The increase, higher than analysts' estimates of 32%, is the highest on an annual basis since May 2021. The stronger growth in foreign purchases compared to exports contributed to containing the trade surplus in October, which was lower than expected and at the lowest level since May. Overall, between January and October 2026, exports increased by 22.7% compared to the same period of the previous year, while imports recorded a +29%. With a surplus of 1,043 billion dollars, China is on its way to surpassing the record of 1,200 billion recorded in the whole of 2025.

Chinese exports to the United States up 32.9%

Chinese exports to the United States grew by 32.9% year-on-year in October, reaching 46.4 billion dollars, compared to 34.9 billion in the same month of 2025. This was indicated by data from the General Administration of Customs in Beijing. The increase comes at a delicate stage for relations between the world's two largest economies, still engaged in a confrontation over tariffs, trade restrictions and access to their respective markets. A new high-level meeting between the leaders of the two countries is scheduled for next week.