HONG KONG — According to customs data released on Thursday, China’s exports experienced a significant increase of 12.7% in October, marking the highest growth rate observed in over two years.
This noticeable uptick comes as imports saw a decline of 2.3% compared to the same month last year. Consequently, China’s trade surplus expanded to $95.7 billion in October, rising from $81.7 billion in September.

The export figures exceeded analysts’ expectations, which had forecasted a growth of around 5.5%. Moreover, this growth rate not only surpassed the previous month’s modest increase of 2.4% but also represents the most substantial expansion since July 2022.

With Donald Trump winning the election on Tuesday and securing a second term as president, the trade landscape faces heightened uncertainty. Trump has indicated plans to raise tariffs on imports from China to as high as 60%.

The robust growth in exports during October reflects a continued international demand for Chinese products, while domestic demand appears to remain weak.