CHINA — China’s exports accelerated significantly in September, highlighting the continued importance of international trade to the country’s economy as domestic demand remains under pressure.
Exports climbed 36.3% year on year, according to customs data released on Wednesday. The increase surpassed economists’ forecasts and marked the fastest export growth since February, when shipments rose 39.6%.
The latest performance also represented a sharp improvement from the 25.0% growth recorded in August. Economists surveyed by Reuters had projected a 25.5% increase.
Imports also exceeded expectations, rising 31.0% compared with the same period a year earlier. That was up from August’s 28.2% growth and above economists’ forecasts for a 24.5% increase.
The stronger-than-expected results for both exports and imports point to sustained activity across global supply chains, particularly in industries linked to advanced technology and the green economy.
Semiconductors and automobiles were key contributors to the export surge. Semiconductor shipments increased 108.1%, while automobile exports expanded by more than 50%.
Growing investment in artificial intelligence infrastructure and international demand for advanced equipment have helped drive purchases of technology-related products. These sectors have enabled Chinese manufacturers to sustain overseas sales despite economic uncertainty and ongoing trade tensions.
China’s trade surplus totaled $133.53 billion in September. The surplus with the United States reached $34.01 billion, while the gap in China’s favor with the European Union stood at $34.8 billion.
During the first nine months of 2026, China’s cumulative trade surplus reached $938.11 billion, bringing the country closer to recording another annual surplus above $1 trillion.
China posted a record trade surplus last year, and the latest data indicate that its position in international trade remains robust.
However, the widening surplus could deepen trade disputes with major economic partners. The United States and European countries have raised concerns about China’s manufacturing capacity, the competitiveness of its exports and the consequences of persistent trade imbalances for industries in their own economies.
Potential trade restrictions also pose a risk to Chinese exporters. Among the developments that could influence market access in the coming months is a new European Union arrangement designed to curb Chinese hybrid vehicle exports.
Despite these challenges, continued international demand for Chinese technology products has helped sustain the country’s export growth.
Wang Jun, a vice customs minister, recognized that external uncertainties could weigh on trade during the final quarter of the year. He pointed to geopolitical conflicts as a potential source of disruption to international commerce, while emphasizing that China had a foundation for continued growth in both exports and imports.
The latest figures also offer policymakers additional support as they work to sustain economic expansion.
Domestic consumption and investment remain weaker parts of China’s economy, increasing the importance of overseas demand as a source of growth. Strong exports can support manufacturing output and employment, although they do not necessarily address underlying weaknesses in household spending or domestic investment.
Chinese policymakers have set a growth target of 4.5% to 5% for 2026. Strong trade performance provides authorities with greater flexibility to pursue that goal without immediately turning to large-scale stimulus measures.
Even so, maintaining export momentum will depend on international demand, global trade policies and the ability of Chinese manufacturers to remain competitive.
September’s figures underscore the continued strength of overseas demand for Chinese goods, particularly in key technology industries. Whether that performance can be sustained will depend in part on global economic conditions and how China’s major trading partners respond to its growing trade surplus.
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