Despite the aggressive protectionist measures of its largest economic rival, the United States, China recently crossed a trade-surplus milestone, surpassing $1 trillion for the first time. China’s future growth prospects appear strong if it continues on its path of diversification and productivity gains while strengthening trade alliances.

DAVOS, Switzerland, Jan 20 (Reuters) - China never deliberately pursued a trade surplus and is willing to be "the world's market", Vice Premier He Lifeng told the World Economic Forum on Tuesday, after the manufacturing giant logged a record surplus that will further unnerve its trade partners.

For China, the record $1.2 trillion annual trade surplus its authorities reported Wednesday is resounding proof of the resilience of its economy in the face of US trade friction.

Taiwan reported a record annual trade surplus with the US, a figure that could complicate the two sides’ already drawn-out tariff negotiations.

Japan’s trade surplus declined to JPY 105.7 billion in December 2025, down from JPY 120.3 billion a year earlier, missing expectations for a JPY 357 billion increase as imports grew faster than exports.

China’s surplus reached $1.19 trillion last year, a 20 percent increase from 2024, as Beijing kept the currency weak and pursued self-reliance to replace imports.