China's US Exports Crash, But 2025 Sales Still Hit Record

China’s total exports hit a new high in 2025, even as its sales to the United States plunged. New data shows the country’s strategy of finding other buyers is working—for now. Official figures released Wednesday reveal exports grew 5.5% last year, reaching $3.77 trillion. This slightly beat market forecasts. The record comes despite a sharp drop in shipments to the US. Trade tensions between Washington and Beijing have disrupted this major route. Instead, China aggressively expanded trade with Southeast Asia, Latin America, and other regions. This policy, called diversification, successfully offset the US decline in 2025. It helped China’s overall export sector continue to grow. However, analysts warn the strategy faces a new test in 2026. A slowing global economy and rising competition mean finding new growth will be harder. China’s import data, also released Wednesday, suggests weaker domestic demand may pose an additional challenge. The coming year will show if China’s trade can remain resilient without its traditional US market.