China Trade Surplus Below Forecast, Cumulative Total Surpasses $1 Trillion

China’s trade surplus widened to $105.28 billion in October 2026, up from $88.00 billion a year earlier, but below forecasts of $125.8 billion.

Exports rose less than imports amid efforts to address trade imbalances, with China’s trade surplus with the US falling to $32.71 billion from $34 billion in September.

Exports surged 35.2% yoy to $412.33 billion, above estimates of 33.5%, as the global AI infrastructure boom continued to sustain strong demand for Chinese high-tech products, although growth eased from 36.3% in September.

Amid pressure from the US and the EU on China to address its surging trade surplus, exports to the US (32.9% vs 39.56% in September) and the EU (24.4% vs 25.3%) both eased.

This story was originally published by Hellenic Shipping News. Read the full story at Hellenic Shipping News →