BEIJING (Realist English). China’s exports rose at their fastest pace in six months in September, while imports posted their strongest increase in more than a year, according to customs data released Monday — signaling solid external demand even as trade friction with the United States deepens.
Exports grew 8.3% year-on-year in dollar terms, outpacing economists’ expectations for a 7.1% increase and rebounding from August’s slowdown. Imports climbed 7.4%, far exceeding forecasts of 1.5%, marking their sharpest rise since April 2024, data from LSEG showed.
The stronger trade performance comes amid escalating tensions between Beijing and Washington, which have recently traded accusations and tightened restrictions despite months of bilateral negotiations.
Tariff threats and port fee standoff
U.S. President Donald Trump last week threatened to impose a 100% tariff on Chinese exports and introduce export controls on critical software, citing unfair trade practices. In response, Beijing expanded its restrictions on rare earth exports and added U.S. chip consulting firm TechInsights to its “unreliable entities” list.
Both countries have also announced reciprocal port fees for vessels docking in their ports, set to take effect on October 14 — with charges of 400 yuan ($56) per ton on each side.
While the U.S. accounts for just 0.1% of global shipbuilding output, China dominates the industry with a 53.3% share, according to the Center for Strategic and International Studies.
China Customs spokesperson Lyu Daliang urged Washington to “return to dialogue and negotiation,” warning that higher port fees and new tariffs would harm global trade.
“New tariffs introduced by several countries this year have hurt businesses and disrupted the world economy,” Lyu said. “China remains committed to multilateral trade and open cooperation.”
Outlook and trade challenges
The trade standoff has already affected agricultural flows. China — the world’s largest buyer of soybeans — has yet to resume purchases of U.S. crops, dampening hopes for a new trade deal. Trump said he plans to raise the issue directly with President Xi Jinping during their scheduled meeting later this month.
China’s Commerce Ministry on Sunday urged the U.S. to “back off its tariff threats” and warned that Beijing would “take corresponding measures” if Washington continued escalating tensions.
Customs Vice Minister Wang Jun cautioned that stabilizing trade in the final quarter of 2025 would be “challenging” due to a complex global environment and a high comparison base from last year.
Despite the headwinds, China’s September trade data suggest the world’s second-largest economy remains resilient — though the widening trade dispute with Washington could soon test that strength.
