China's trade surplus soars past $1 trillion as AI boom powers exports
SPY•SPY•SPY•SPY•China’s trade surplus reached $1.04 trillion in the first 10 months, as October exports rose 35.2% year over year and imports rose 41.6%. The export strength was supported by global demand for high-tech products tied to AI infrastructure.
China’s trade surplus reached $1.04 trillion in the first 10 months, topping $1 trillion for a second consecutive year and reaching the milestone a month earlier than in 2025. October exports rose 35.2% from a year earlier in U.S. dollar terms, while imports climbed 41.6%.
The growing surplus could add to tensions with the European Union and the United States. China’s surplus with the U.S. dipped to $32.71 billion in October from $34.01 billion in September. China also extended its trade truce with Washington by two months.
Global investment in AI infrastructure has helped drive exports of Chinese high-tech products, offsetting weak domestic demand. Analysts expect exports to accelerate further in the fourth quarter before starting to slow from the first quarter of 2027.
