Trump tariffs hit Xi wall: China posts record trade surplus in 2025
US-bound shipments did fall sharply after Donald Trump raised duties in 2025. But under Xi Jinping's guidance, Chinese exporters responded with speed and ingenuity. Sales surged instead to Southeast Asia, Africa, Latin America and Europe. In many cases, goods were routed through third countries, blunting the effect of US tariffs altogether.
US-bound shipments did fall sharply after Donald Trump raised duties in 2025. But under Xi Jinping's guidance, Chinese exporters responded with speed and ingenuity. Sales surged instead to Southeast Asia, Africa, Latin America and Europe. In many cases, goods were routed through third countries, blunting the effect of US tariffs altogether.
