China reported a record trade surplus of nearly US$1.2 trillion in 2025, driven by booming exports to non-US markets, reported Reuters.

Policymakers pushed firms to diversify beyond the US, focusing on Southeast Asia, Africa and Latin America. The strategy helped cushion the economy against tariffs and intensifying trade, technology and geopolitical frictions since US President Donald Trump returned to office last year.

Customs data showed the full-year surplus at US$1.189 trillion, comparable to the GDP of Saudi Arabia. China broke the trillion-dollar mark for the first time in November, underscoring the scale of its export strength despite global tensions.