China’s trade surplus tops $1 trn for second year in a row, exports jump 35.2% in October: What's leading the surge?
China's trade surplus crossed $1 trillion in the first 10 months of 2026, driven by strong demand for AI-related products and high-tech exports. However, weak domestic consumption and growing trade tensions with the US and EU pose fresh challenges for Beijing.
Beijing's trade surplus has surpassed $1 trillion for the second consecutive year, driven by a 35.2% jump in exports in October. The milestone comes as the US and China prepare to meet at the upcoming APEC summit in Shenzhen. The surge in exports is attributed to a global race to build AI infrastructure, which has increased demand for high-tech products.
In October, China's exports reached $412.3 billion, while imports totaled $307.1 billion. The monthly trade surplus narrowed to $105.3 billion from $133.5 billion in September. Analysts caution that China's growing dependence on exports may expose the country to rising trade barriers and domestic economic challenges.
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