China's outbound shipments rose 21.8 per cent in the first two months of 2026, far above expectations and up from 6.6 per cent growth in December, reported Reuters.

Customs data showed the trade surplus reached $213.6 billion, compared with US$169.21 billion a year earlier. Economists had forecast a surplus of US$179.6 billion.

Xu Tianchen, senior economist at the Economist Intelligence Unit, said strong exports of integrated circuits and technology were expected given the artificial intelligence investment boom. He noted growth in clothing, textiles and bags was surprising after weak performance in 2025.

Mr Xu added that export momentum could accelerate further in March as factories rush shipments to the US to take advantage of the Supreme Court's tariff reprieve. Chinese firms are also regaining ground in low value-added sectors such as textiles.