China’s Exports to U.S. Surged 35% in May After Sharp Declines Following Trump Tariffs
Chinese customs data showed exports to the United States grew at the fastest pace since early 2021. Overall exports and imports also accelerated from April levels.
ibtimes.co.ukChina’s exports to the United States rose more than 35 percent year-on-year in May, the strongest pace since early 2021, after an 11 percent increase in April, according to data released Tuesday by the country’s customs agency. 1 percent gain. 3 percent the prior month.
The customs agency said shipments of semiconductors more than doubled in value and exports of autos rose almost 40 percent. BYD reported selling more than 160,600 vehicles abroad in May, an 80 percent increase from a year earlier. Chinese shipments to the United States had fallen sharply for most months after President Donald Trump returned to the White House in 2025, while exports to Southeast Asia and Europe rose.
Analysts cited by Fortune said the May rebound likely reflected a base effect following the sharp drop that followed the April 2025 start of Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs. President Donald Trump met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing in mid-May. The two leaders agreed to establish boards of trade and investment.
Wei Li, head of multi-asset investments at BNP Paribas Securities China, said exports serve as a “shock-absorber” for China. Lynn Song, chief economist for Greater China at ING, said ships, chips, autos, and batteries continued to find strong demand amid the global tech boom.
5 percent to 5 percent annual economic growth target for 2026, down from the around 5 percent goal for 2025 and the slowest expansion target since 1991.
Song said a strong start to the year should help China stay on track to meet its full-year growth target.
