China achieved a historic trade surplus of approximately $1.189 trillion in 2025, marking a significant 20% increase from the previous year. This record-breaking figure, on par with the GDP of a top-20 global economy, was announced by China's customs data on January 14, 2026. Notably, this surplus was attained despite the ongoing trade tensions and tariffs imposed by the United States, which saw renewed pressure since Donald Trump's return to the US presidency in January 2025. The impact of US tariffs led to a substantial 20% decline in China's exports to the United States in 2025. However, China successfully mitigated this challenge by strategically diversifying its export markets. Significant growth was observed in shipments to regions such as Southeast Asia (ASEAN), the European Union, Africa, and Latin America, which collectively offset the reduced demand from the US. Key drivers of China's export performance included high-value-added products like semiconductors, ships, and automobiles, reflecting an ongoing shift in its manufacturing capabilities. While exports surged, China's imports remained relatively flat in dollar terms during 2025, contributing to the swelling surplus. This robust export performance has been a major pillar supporting China's economic growth amidst domestic challenges such as a prolonged property slump and sluggish consumer demand. The record surplus underscores China's economic resilience and its ability to adapt its trade strategies in the face of global protectionism, raising concerns in some economies about China's trade practices and overcapacity.