CHINA’S exports jumped nearly 22 per cent in the first two months of the year from a year earlier, powered by a surge in shipments of computer chips, autos and electronics.

This came even as trade with the United States plummeted.

The export figures released by China’s customs agency today far exceeded the 6.6 per cent annual pace of growth recorded in December.

Shipments to the US fell 11 per cent in January and February. Exports to the European Union soared by 28 per cent and those to Latin America climbed 16 per cent.

Exports to the rest of Asia, including Japan and India, were also sharply higher.

China’s exports have been a bright spot for its economy despite tensions with the US. Chinese exports climbed 5.5 per cent in 2025 as its trade surplus surged to a record of nearly $1.2 trillion (around £900 billion). 

Higher shipments to other regions have helped offset weaker exports to the US after President Donald Trump launched a trade war with most countries last year.

The boom in use of artificial intelligence is driving strong demand for computer chips of all kinds. 

China’s exports of semiconductors by value soared nearly 73 per cent in the first two months of the year,

partly also lifted by higher prices as the world faces a memory chip shortage. 

Its exports of cars rose 67 per cent and mechanical and electrical items rose 27 per cent.

A recent US Supreme Court ruling against President Trump’s tariffs has already resulted in lower tariffs for countries including China.

President Trump is planning to visit Beijing at the end of March. The visit may bring about an extension of the trade truce between the two countries reached in October last year.

But all world trade is likely to be affected by the illegal and unprovoked war being waged by the US and Israel on Iran.