China’s trade surplus stood at CNY 723.98 billion in May 2026, easing slightly from CNY 740.0 billion in the same month a year earlier as import growth outpaced exports. Exports rose 13.8% year-over-year, supported by resilient external demand, while imports jumped 21.5%, reflecting solid domestic consumption and stronger demand for raw materials and industrial inputs. Despite the annual decline, the trade surplus widened from the previous month and was the largest since January, underscoring the continued strength of China’s external trade position. source: General Administration of Customs
Balance of Trade (Yuan) in China averaged 884.67 CNY Billion from 1981 until 2026, reaching an all time high of 20868.00 CNY Billion in December of 2008 and a record low of -701.00 CNY Billion in December of 1993. China Trade Balance – Yuan Terms - data, historical chart, forecasts and calendar of releases - was last updated on June of 2026.
Since 1995, China has been recording consistent trade surpluses. Exports are dominated by machinery and transport equipment—especially electrical machinery, telecommunications devices, office machines, and industrial machinery—alongside manufactured goods, textiles, chemicals, and food products. The European Union and the United States are the largest destinations, supported by regional markets including Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Germany, India, and the Netherlands. Imports are driven by machinery, energy products, industrial raw materials, and chemicals, sourced mainly from the EU, South Korea, Taiwan, Japan, the US, and Australia. This mix of high-value exports and essential imports generally results in a persistent trade surplus, highlighting China’s role as a global manufacturing hub and a major consumer of raw materials.
|
Actual |
Previous |
Highest |
Lowest |
Dates |
Unit |
Frequency |
|
|
723.98 |
585.69 |
20868.00 |
-701.00 |
1981 - 2026 |
CNY Billion |
Monthly |
Current Prices, NSA
|