China’s trade surplus narrowed to CNY 354.8 billion in March 2026 from CNY 731.6 billion a year earlier, marking the lowest figures since February 2025. Exports fell 0.7% year-on-year, reflecting the impact of conflict in the Middle East, which has fueled an energy shock and complicated Beijing's push to keep growth on track. Meanwhile, imports jumped 23.8%, amid efforts to secure resources despite elevated costs amid mounting geopolitical tensions. China’s customs vice minister Wang Jun noted that global oil prices have swung sharply, creating a challenging trade backdrop. source: General Administration of Customs
Balance of Trade (Yuan) in China averaged 886.94 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 April 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 |
|
|
354.75 |
637.55 |
20868.00 |
-701.00 |
1981 - 2026 |
CNY Billion |
Monthly |
Current Prices, NSA
|