China's exports at record high: What does the US government change bring?

China's exports have recovered significantly in 2024 and thus show a positive development in the country's foreign trade. The entire exports amounted to around 3.58 trillion $ (approx. 3.5 trillion euros) and were 5.9 percent above the value of the previous year. Imports also grew by 1.1 percent compared to the previous year and reached around $ 2.59 trillion.

The commercial surplus is particularly noteworthy, which achieved a record high of just under a trillion US dollar. In December 2024, exports rose by 10.7 percent compared to the same month last year. In the opposite, imports increased only by 1 percent in December. A possible background for this increase in exports could be the upcoming change of government in the United States. The designated US President Donald Trump has already announced that it would like to introduce further tariffs on Chinese products, which could possibly reduce the sales chances of Chinese goods in the USA.

economic situation and challenges

China's economy is heavily dependent on exports, but is faced with various challenges. A weak consumption in Germany and the consequences of a real estate crisis put a strain on the economic environment. These factors could significantly impair foreign trade in 2024, especially if tariffs are increasing to Chinese products abroad.

Similar developments were recorded in 2023, as also the exports of China had experienced a recovery. According to reports, exports also amounted to around 3.58 trillion dollars this year and were 5.9 percent above the value of 2022. At that time, imports grew by 1.1 percent and the surplus of trade grew a record high of just under a trillion US dollar, while exports rose by 10.7 percent in December 2023 compared to the previous year. Again, domestic consumption and real estate crisis was important for the economic situation of China.

For more information on developments in the Chinese foreign trade, read the reports of NP-COBURG and Tagesspiegel .