China's exports surge despite US decline

China's exports to the United States fell by nearly a fifth in 2025, but robust demand from Southeast Asia and Europe drove a strong rise in the country's overall shipments, Anadolu Agency reported on Friday.

The value of Chinese goods sold to the United States dropped 19.5 percent to around $420 billion during the year.

Despite this, China's total exports grew 6.1 percent to approximately $3.77 trillion, as gains in other markets more than compensated for the decline.

Exports to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) increased 14 percent to $665 billion, while shipments to the European Union climbed 9 percent to $560 billion. 

China's trade with Africa expanded 18.4 percent and with Latin America 6.5 percent. 

The Asian country also recorded trade growth with more than 190 countries and regions.

Machinery and electronics led the expansion, supported by rising overseas sales of electric vehicles and batteries.

The upward trend has continued in 2026, with exports rising 16.4 percent to about $3.45 trillion in the first nine months. 

Mechanical and electrical products accounted for nearly two-thirds of total exports, with their sales growing 23.7 percent, reflecting strong global demand for chips, electric vehicles and lithium batteries.