China’s goods trade surplus surpassed USD 1 trillion in the first ten months of 2026, reaching USD 1.04 trillion, compared with USD 958 billion over the same period in 2025. The milestone underscores the continued strength of China’s export sector, particularly in technology and manufactured goods, even as imports have also accelerated.

China’s monthly trade surplus has fluctuated considerably throughout 2026, falling to USD 50 billion in March before reaching USD 134 billion in September. In October, the surplus moderated to USD 105 billion, although it remained above the level recorded a year earlier. Both exports and imports increased sharply in October, highlighting the scale of China’s trade activity on both sides of the ledger.

Technology is playing an increasingly important role. Exports of integrated circuits more than doubled in January-October, rising 111% year on year to USD 341 billion, while exports of computers & parts increased 61% to USD 267 billion. Motor vehicle exports also grew strongly, rising 52% to USD 170 billion. Traditional manufactured goods, including garments and textiles, continued to contribute to China’s export earnings, although their growth was considerably more modest.

China’s imports reveal another dimension of its economic integration with the world. Integrated circuits were its largest import product, reaching USD 567 billion, followed by crude oil at USD 257 billion, agricultural products at USD 188 billion and computers & parts at USD 182 billion. The substantial two-way trade in semiconductors illustrates China’s central role in global technology supply chains, while imports of energy, agricultural products and industrial raw materials reflect the continuing needs of its vast domestic economy.

For global businesses, the figures highlight a Chinese economy that remains deeply connected to international markets, both as a major supplier of increasingly sophisticated manufactured products and as a substantial buyer of technology, commodities and agricultural goods. China’s expanding trade surplus also underscores the growing competitive significance of its manufacturing sector for businesses worldwide.