• China's exports surged by 12.4% in March as companies rushed to beat U.S. tariffs.
• Imports fell by 4.3%, showcasing volatile global trade conditions.
• China logged a trade surplus of $76.6 billion with the U.S. in the first quarter.
• Growth in exports was particularly strong to Southeast Asia and Africa.
• Chinese President Xi Jinping is on a regional tour, emphasizing trade ties amid tariff threats.

China reported a 12.4% increase in exports in March compared to the previous year, driven largely by businesses rushing to ship goods ahead of new U.S. tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump. During the same time, imports declined by 4.3%, reflecting ongoing volatility in global trade conditions, according to data released by the customs administration on Monday. Exports in the first quarter of 2025 rose 5.8%, while imports fell 7%, highlighting a concerning trend for the world's second-largest economy, according to HuffPost.

China's trade surplus with the United States stood at $27.6 billion in March, boosted by a 4.5% growth in exports to the U.S. The cumulative surplus with the U.S. for the first quarter reached $76.6 billion. This comes as China faces hefty tariffs of 145% on most exports to the U.S. following revisions in American trade policy, according to South China Morning Post.

Beyond the U.S., export growth was notable in Southeast Asia, indicating a diversification of China's trade partners; exports to the region jumped nearly 17% in March. Exports to African markets also experienced significant growth of over 11%. China's exports to Vietnam surged nearly 17%, although imports from Vietnam saw a decline, which signals shifts in trade dynamics amid the evolving tariff landscape, as reported by Channel News Asia.

As President Xi Jinping embarks on a regional tour of Vietnam, Malaysia, and Cambodia, the trip takes on additional significance amidst the ongoing trade tensions with the U.S. Experienced commerce-focused diplomats are strategizing to bolster economic ties with Asian partners who face their own tariff challenges, especially given Trump's recent decision to delay the enforcement of new tariffs by 90 days, according to The Jakarta Post.

In statements regarding China's current economic climate, customs administration spokesperson Lyu Daliang acknowledged a "complex and severe external situation" but assured that "the sky will not fall." He emphasized China's consistent standing as the world's second-largest importer and the potential for significant import growth in the future, despite recent declines. This resilience amidst external pressures indicates a strategic pivot towards enhancing comprehensive trade relations globally, highlighted by India Times.