The Digester

China exports surge as January-February trade surplus hits record $213.6 billion

Mar 10th 2026

China's exports beat expectations in the combined January-February period, driving a record $213.6 billion trade surplus as imports also surprised on the upside and trade with the US declined while EU and ASEAN ties strengthened.

  • Combined January-February trade surplus reached $213.62 billion, the highest on record.
  • Exports climbed 21.8% year on year, well above the 7.1% Reuters consensus forecast.
  • Imports rose 19.8% year on year, versus an expected 6.3% increase.
  • Trade with the United States fell 16.9% while trade with the EU and ASEAN rose 19.9% and 20.3% respectively.
  • Economists say the late Lunar New Year partly lifted the year on year figures but likely does not fully explain the strength, reducing near term pressure for new stimulus.

Sources

cnbc.com