Mushitags

China’s goods-trade surplus reached $938.1 billion in the first nine months of 2026 after exports jumped 36.3% year on year in September. The figures put China on pace to exceed last year’s record $1.2 trillion surplus, although the final-quarter results will determine whether it does. [Reuters](https://www.marketscreener.com/news/china-s-september-exports-soar-putting-1-trillion-trade-surplus-in-sight-ce785dd2db89f72d) and [AP](https://apnews.com/article/db43e08437b65f65c2ead64c82f9b990) report the customs data released Wednesday. September exports totaled $447.18 billion, while imports rose 31% to $313.65 billion. That left a monthly surplus of $133.53 billion, up from $119.1 billion in August. Export growth accelerated from 25% the previous month; imports also grew faster than in August, so the headline gap reflects both brisker exports and stronger inbound trade. High-tech shipments helped drive the rise. AP, citing customs data, reports semiconductor export value was up 108.1% year on year for January–September; exports of data-processing equipment and parts rose 54.6%, and cars 54.3%. Reuters says global demand for semiconductors and green-technology products has supported factory output, while weak domestic demand and investment continue to weigh on China’s economy. The customs figures measure trade value, so they do not by themselves show how much growth came from higher shipment volumes versus prices. The imbalance is adding to pressure from trading partners worried about Chinese goods competing with domestic manufacturers. China and the EU announced an initial trade understanding on October 9, but September’s figures predate it; they cannot show whether the talks will change the trend. The next quarter’s data will show whether exports keep widening the surplus or imports catch up. ~worldnews ~china ~trade