China’s exports to the United States dropped sharply in September, registering a year-on-year decline of 27 per cent, marking the sixth consecutive month of reduced shipments to the American market. The fall comes amidst intensifying trade tensions and tariff measures introduced by President Donald Trump, who recently announced plans for a new 100 per cent tariff on Chinese goods as both nations continue to impose retaliatory restrictions.
Despite these challenges in the US market, China’s overall global exports rose significantly, hitting their highest level in six months. Official custom data shows international exports increased by 8.3 per cent compared to September last year, amounting to $328.5 billion and surpassing analyst expectations. This robust performance was powered by soaring shipments to regions such as the EU, ASEAN, Latin America, and Africa even as exports to the US slumped.
China’s import figures for September also posted their strongest growth rate in over a year, with a 7.4 per cent rise driven by gains in commodities and hi-tech goods. The shift in export destinations indicates Chinese companies are actively diversifying, as they reduce dependence on the US market to offset ongoing trade frictions.
Economists attribute China’s export resilience to competitive pricing and the ability to find new buyers, while policymakers warn that the complex and unpredictable trade environment may require additional efforts to sustain growth through the year’s end.
