BEIJING: China’s trade expanded faster than expected in April despite mounting uncertainty linked to the war in the Middle East, official data showed Saturday, as exports to the United States rebounded sharply ahead of a highly anticipated summit between Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump.
Data released by China’s General Administration of Customs showed exports rose 14.1% year-on-year in April, well above a Bloomberg forecast of 8.4% and significantly higher than March’s 2.5% increase.
The strong performance came despite economic risks stemming from the ongoing conflict involving Iran, launched by the United States and Israel in late February, which has disrupted global shipping routes and driven up energy prices.
Analysts said China’s diversified energy imports have so far shielded the country from immediate shocks linked to the conflict, although a broader global slowdown could eventually weaken demand for Chinese exports.
Exports to the United States increased 11.3% in April compared to the same month last year, reversing a sharp 26.5% decline recorded in March, according to customs data.
Shipments to the US had also fallen 11% during the combined January-February period.
The recovery comes ahead of an expected meeting next week in Beijing between Xi and Trump, where trade imbalances and economic cooperation are expected to dominate discussions.
The summit, originally planned for late March, was postponed because of escalating tensions in the Middle East and disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy shipping corridor.
China posted a record trade surplus of $1.2 trillion last year, with exports continuing to provide critical support for the economy amid weak domestic demand and a prolonged property sector debt crisis.
Beijing has set an economic growth target of 4.5% to 5% for 2026, the lowest in decades. Official data released in April showed the economy expanded 5% in the first quarter, matching the upper end of the target range.
Meanwhile, imports into China rose 25.3% year-on-year in April, exceeding expectations and signaling potential improvement in domestic consumption.
Economists have increasingly urged Chinese authorities to shift toward a consumption-driven growth model instead of relying heavily on infrastructure and real estate investment.
Further indications about the strength of domestic demand are expected Monday, when China releases its latest inflation figures.
