• China's exports increased by 21.8% in the first two months of 2026.
• The trade surplus during this period reached $213.6 billion.
• Growth in imports also surged by 19.8% year-over-year.
• Trade with European countries grew by 27.8%, while Asean exports jumped nearly 30%.
• Exports to the U.S. fell by over 10% due to tariffs imposed under the Trump administration.

China's exports recorded a substantial increase of 21.8% in January and February 2026, translating to outbound shipments worth $656.58 billion, according to customs data. This growth follows a previously recorded increase of only 6.6% in December and far exceeds economists' forecasts, indicating strong economic momentum for the year ahead, according to SCMP and Reuters.

China's trade surplus skyrocketed to $213.6 billion during this period, significantly higher than the $169.21 billion recorded last year. The increase in imports, which rose by 19.8%, also showcases the country's robust trade activity despite existing trade tensions, as noted by Reuters and BBC.

Demand for electronics and manufactured goods has driven much of this export growth, with trade relations strengthening with European and Southeast Asian nations. For instance, exports to European countries increased by 27.8%, and shipments to ASEAN countries saw nearly a 30% rise. However, exports to the U.S. fell by over 10% due to new tariffs imposed during the ongoing trade conflict under Donald Trump's administration, according to BBC and Reuters.