Following the post-pandemic trade surge and subsequent normalisation, China’s 2025 expansion reflects steady export growth and a return to mid-single-digit overall trade momentum.
China’s trade performance in 2025 confirms a return to moderate, export-led expansion following the pandemic-era surge and subsequent normalisation. Total trade surpassed USD 6.3 trillion, with exports rising 5.5% while imports were broadly flat, lifting overall trade growth to 3.2% for the year.
Monthly data show steady volumes through mid-2025 and a firm rebound into year-end, culminating in record December flows. Structurally, export growth outpaced imports, reinforcing the trade surplus dynamic in 2025 and underscoring the continued competitiveness of China’s manufacturing base in uneven global demand conditions.
The central strategic question now is whether this export strength is cyclical and tied to short-term global inventory and demand dynamics, or structural and reflecting deeper shifts in supply chain positioning and industrial upgrading.
Also by ANDAMAN PARTNERS:
ANDAMAN PARTNERS supports international business ventures and growth. We help launch global initiatives and accelerate successful expansion across borders. If your business, operations or project requires cross-border support, contact connect@andamanpartners.com.
ANDAMAN PARTNERS Attended the Australia Governance Summit 2026 in Sydney
ANDAMAN PARTNERS Co-Founder Kobus van der Wath attended the Australia Governance Summit (AGS26) in Sydney, Australia.
ANDAMAN PARTNERS Wishes You a Happy and Prosperous Year of the Horse!
Compliments of the Chinese Lunar New Year to all our clients, customers, suppliers and partners.
ANDAMAN PARTNERS to Attend Investing in African Mining Indaba 2026 in Cape Town
ANDAMAN PARTNERS Co-Founders Kobus van der Wath and Rachel Wu will attend Investing in African Mining Indaba 2026 in Cape Town, South Africa.
China’s PMI Indicators Point to Uneven Momentum and Rising Cost Pressures in 2026
Manufacturing activity remained close to expansion in early 2026, while weaker export orders and raw material prices pressure the economy
Africa’s Industrial Leaders and Rising Manufacturing Economies
Morocco, South Africa and Egypt remain Africa’s leading industrial economies; DRC, Djibouti and Gabon recorded the largest gains in competitiveness
Africa’s Trade Is Shifting Increasingly Toward China
China’s share of Africa’s trade has expanded sharply since 2001, with imports from China now matching Europe’s share
