China's exports rose more than expected in March, supported by an increase in shipments from companies seeking to avoid higher U.S. tariffs, while imports continued to decline amid ongoing weak domestic demand.
According to data released by the Customs Authority on Monday, China recorded a trade surplus of $102.6 billion in March, slightly down from $104.8 billion in December—the most recent comparable reading—but well above market expectations of $74.3 billion.
China's trade surplus with the United States rose to $76.6 billion in the first quarter, up from $70.2 billion in the same period last year, according to Reuters.
Chinese exports denominated in U.S. dollars jumped by 12.4% year-on-year last month, significantly exceeding analysts' forecasts of 4.4% and marking the fastest growth pace since last October. This surge was much stronger than the 2.3% increase seen in the first two months of the year.
Meanwhile, Chinese imports in March dropped by 4.3% compared to the previous year, deeper than economists’ projected decline of 2%.
China’s exports to the United States rose in total value by 9.1% year-on-year, while imports fell by 9.5%. The U.S. remains China’s largest trading partner among individual countries, accounting for around 10% of China’s total trade