China's 2025 Trade Surplus Hits Record $1.189 Trillion Amid Shifting Global Markets

China reported a record trade surplus of $1.189 trillion for 2025, surpassing previous records and breaking the trillion-dollar mark for the first time. Despite renewed tariff tensions with the U.S. under President Trump, Chinese exports showed resilience, growing 6.6% in December. This surplus, driven partly by a weakened yuan, has led Chinese firms to increasingly focus on markets in Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America to offset U.S. duties. The substantial surplus raises concerns among other economies about China's trade practices and overreliance on its products.