China hits US$1 trillion trade surplus as reserves lag

China's trade surplus has surpassed the US$1 trillion mark in the first 11 months of the year, yet growth in its official foreign exchange reserves has lagged behind, prompting questions about where the money has gone.

Recent data on China's external accounts reveal a record-breaking trade surplus exceeding US$1 trillion in the first 11 months of the year. This milestone underscores the strength of its exports, but the growth in official foreign exchange reserves has not matched pace, creating a conundrum.

The paradox raises a key question: where has all that money gone? While China's economy remains robust, the lag in reserve accumulation could point to intricate financial channels or policy decisions at play.

This development highlights China's dominant role in global trade while alerting investors to possible economic imbalances.

Makala yanayohusiana

Illustration showing South Korea's October current account surplus dip due to Chuseok holiday against record 10-month high, with graphs, port, and festive elements.
Picha iliyoundwa na AI

South Korea's October current account surplus narrows sharply

Imeripotiwa na AI Picha iliyoundwa na AI

South Korea's current account surplus narrowed sharply in October due to fewer working days from the Chuseok holiday, central bank data showed. Exports fell amid the extended break, but the cumulative surplus for the first 10 months hit a record high.

China's exports rose 5.5 percent in 2025 to US$3.77 trillion, while imports stayed flat at US$2.58 trillion, yielding a record trade surplus of US$1.19 trillion. The performance beat forecasts despite trade headwinds, fueled by diversification into markets like Asean and Africa. Officials attribute the strong results to supportive policies and the country's industrial depth.

Imeripotiwa na AI

Critics’ concerns about China’s industrial overcapacity overlook the broader picture of the country’s balance of payments. While China maintains a surplus in goods trade, it is offset by significant deficits in services and investment income. This balanced approach points to a more nuanced economic exchange rather than simple dumping of excess production.

South Korea posted its largest-ever annual current account surplus in 2025, fueled by robust exports amid strong semiconductor demand. According to Bank of Korea data, the surplus reached $123.05 billion, up from $99.97 billion the previous year. This marks a new record, surpassing the prior high of $105.1 billion set in 2015.

Imeripotiwa na AI

China's trade performance exceeded expectations at the beginning of 2026, with exports rising sharply. The growth rate reached 21.8% year-on-year for January and February, compared to 5.5% in the previous year. This surge was propelled by key sectors amid global demand.

China's onshore yuan closed at its strongest level since May 2023, trading at 7.0066 per dollar, amid a weakening US dollar. This development, typically bullish for bitcoin, has not lifted the cryptocurrency, which lingers below $90,000. Factors like thin year-end liquidity and ETF outflows are muting the expected rally.

Imeripotiwa na AI

Hesabu za fedha za nje za Kenya zimeshuka kwa Ksh 47.5 bilioni hadi dola za Marekani 13.656 bilioni, zikitoa miezi 5.8 ya kugharamia bidhaa, kulingana na Tangazo la Benki Kuu ya Kenya. Kushuka huku kunatokea wakati vita vya Iran vinavuruga mauzo ya chai na nyama, na mgogoro wa mafuta unakaribia. Maafisa wanasema hesabu bado zinakidhi mahitaji ya kisheria.

Jumatano, 1. Mwezi wa nne 2026, 20:28:10

Qiushi journal reaffirms China’s trade rebalance, calls export-led growth unsustainable

Jumatano, 11. Mwezi wa tatu 2026, 18:40:09

China's foreign trade surge supports 2026 growth target

Jumatano, 4. Mwezi wa tatu 2026, 08:33:29

China vows deeper opening-up for steady economic growth

Jumamosi, 28. Mwezi wa pili 2026, 09:19:07

China's GDP surpasses 140 trillion yuan in 2025

Jumapili, 25. Mwezi wa kwanza 2026, 19:27:13

Talk of digital yuan challenging dollar misses real power shift

Jumanne, 20. Mwezi wa kwanza 2026, 10:40:29

Former PBOC adviser urges leveraging buying power to boost yuan in trade

Jumatatu, 19. Mwezi wa kwanza 2026, 04:14:31

China's GDP grows 5 percent in 2025

Alhamisi, 8. Mwezi wa kwanza 2026, 06:06:31

South Korea's Record November Current Account Surplus Caps Strong 2025

Jumanne, 16. Mwezi wa kumi na mbili 2025, 04:45:45

Japan’s exports rise 6.1% in November, led by U.S. and EU demand

Ijumaa, 12. Mwezi wa kumi na mbili 2025, 17:57:25

China digs in for trade struggles with dual growth and resilience strategy

 

 

 

Tovuti hii inatumia vidakuzi

Tunatumia vidakuzi kwa uchambuzi ili kuboresha tovuti yetu. Soma sera ya faragha yetu kwa maelezo zaidi.
Kataa