China’s exports jumped 21.8% year-on-year to USD 656.58 billion in January–February 2026, accelerating sharply from a 6.6% rise in December and easily surpassing market forecasts of 7.1%. The surge marked the fastest growth in outbound shipments since October 2021, supported by firm global demand and a strong start to the year. Sales increased to Japan (8.9%), Hong Kong (38.7%), South Korea (27.0%), Taiwan (28.7%), Australia (29.4%), the ASEAN countries (29.4%), and the EU (27.8%), but shrank to the U.S. (-11.0%). Sales of refined oil products, including diesel, gasoline, aviation fuel, and marine fuel, rose 12.7% to 8.13 million tons. President Trump’s renewed 2025 tariffs barely slowed China’s industrial momentum, as manufacturers redirected exports to Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America to offset weaker U.S. demand. Meanwhile, analysts noted that China’s resilient exports and lower 2026 GDP growth target could delay the rollout of economic stimulus. source: General Administration of Customs
Exports YoY in China increased to 21.80 percent in February from 6.60 percent in December of 2025. Exports YoY in China averaged 13.93 percent from 1991 until 2026, reaching an all time high of 154.30 percent in February of 2021 and a record low of -40.60 percent in February of 2020. This page includes a chart with historical data for China Exports YoY. China Exports YoY - data, historical chart, forecasts and calendar of releases - was last updated on March of 2026.
Exports have long been a key driver of China’s rapid economic growth. In recent years, machinery and transport equipment have made up nearly half of all outbound shipments. Within this category, major contributors include electrical machinery and appliances (14%), telecommunications and audio-visual equipment (12%), office and data-processing machines (8%), and industrial machinery and machine parts (5%). Other important export groups include miscellaneous manufactured goods (23%); manufactured products classified by material (16%)—notably textile yarn, fabrics and related articles (5%), metal manufactures (4%), and iron and steel (2%); chemicals and related products (6%); and food and live animals (3%). The European Union and the United States remain China’s largest export markets, each accounting for more than 15% of total shipments. Other significant destinations include Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Germany, India, and the Netherlands (around 3% each).
|
Actual |
Previous |
Highest |
Lowest |
Dates |
Unit |
Frequency |
|
|
21.80 |
6.60 |
154.30 |
-40.60 |
1991 - 2026 |
percent |
Monthly |
NSA
|