China’s Exports to US Surge 39.6% as Surplus Widens

Beijing (GNP): China’s exports to the United States rose 39.6 per cent year on year to $47.9 billion in September, official customs data released on Wednesday showed. Overall Chinese exports surged 36.3 per cent in the same month.

The General Administration of Customs (GACC) data shows US-bound shipments climbing from $42.5 billion in August. The figures arrived weeks after Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump met in Washington.

Total exports reached $447.18 billion, up from 25 per cent annual growth in August. The latest rate also far exceeded economists’ forecast of 25.5 per cent.

Imports accelerated too, rising 31 per cent year on year to about $313.65 billion, against 28.2 per cent in August. Economists had expected growth of 24.5 per cent.

Because exports grew faster than imports, China’s merchandise trade surplus widened to $133.53 billion for the month. That figure beat the market expectation of $118.1 billion.

Strong global demand for technology-related products helped sustain this momentum. Semiconductors, computing equipment and other advanced manufactured goods contributed to overseas shipments.

Chinese exports have stayed resilient despite trade restrictions, tariff disputes and efforts by major economies to reduce dependence on Chinese supply chains. Manufacturers continue to serve markets across Asia, Europe and North America.

The widening surplus is likely to keep the debate over global trade imbalances alive. It can support industrial production and foreign-exchange earnings, but persistent surpluses can also prompt trading partners to call for more balanced trade.

Export strength does not by itself show that household spending and domestic investment are recovering at the same pace. The monthly growth rate also does not establish whether demand will hold in the coming months.

The US-China relationship remains central to the outlook. During the leaders’ meeting in Washington, the two sides agreed planned tariff reductions covering $30 billion worth of non-sensitive goods from each country.

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However, the customs figures do not establish that the meeting or its agreements caused the rise in US-bound shipments. China’s ability to sustain growth will depend on overseas demand, trade policy and the competitiveness of its manufacturers.

The current trade confrontation began in 2018, when Trump imposed tariffs on Chinese imports over trade imbalances, intellectual property disputes and concerns about Chinese industrial policies. Beijing retaliated with tariffs on American goods, and years of restrictions and negotiations followed.

The dispute intensified in 2025 and 2026, with both countries imposing additional tariffs and export controls before pursuing talks to ease tensions. Despite periodic agreements, relations remain fragile, with technology, market access and supply-chain security among the main points of contention.