China notches historic $1.2 trillion trade surplus despite Trump tariffs

China recorded the world’s biggest ever trade surplus in 2025, capping off a year in which the world’s largest manufacturer defied US trade pressure by ramping up exports to other global markets.

One more Trump miscalculation. This is what happens when an authoritarian surrounds himself with yes people who do not dare provide honest advice.

We can't afford any more Trump miscalculations.

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pdockal · 56-60, M

the U.S. trade deficit with China has dropped significantly in recent months and over the past year (2025). The deficit in goods trade with China was $13.7 billion in October 2025, a decrease from previous months and a notable reduction from the annual figures of prior years.

It's working unless you think the deficit between USA & China should grow ?

Northwest · M

@pdockal Wall Street Journal this morning: https://www.wsj.com/economy/trade/china-marks-record-1-2-trillion-trade-surplus-in-2025-despite-u-s-tariffs-2dddf4e3?mod=hp_lead_pos4

That would be 20% drop in US imports from China for 2025.

It's working

What's working? The point of Trump's tariffs was to bring China to its knees and move manufacturing from China to the US.

As some U.S. buyers have adjusted sourcing to sidestep higher tariffs on made-in-China goods, supply chains that have shifted from China to places such as Vietnam or Mexico often still rely on Chinese components or equipment, keeping the country’s formidable manufacturing ecosystem busy.

So here's how it actually worked: China had its best year ever, US consumers paid more and factories did not pop up all over the place in the USA.

So, tell me again: what's working?

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Northwest · M

@pdockal Wrong topic.

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Northwest · M

@pdockal One more time: address the topic I raised.