China’s trade figures for September delivered a mixed picture. Exports rose 8.3% yoy, well above forecasts of 6.0% and marking the fastest pace in six months. Imports jumped 7.4% yoy, the strongest gain since April 2024 and far exceeding expectations of 1.5%.
However, the details showed signs of strain beneath the surface. Exports of rare earths—a key strategic material—fell -30.9% from August to 4,000 tonnes, the lowest level since February, amid tighter export restrictions. Meanwhile, soybean imports surged to the second-highest level on record, boosted by heavy purchases from South America as buyers avoided U.S. supplies in response to the escalating trade conflict.
Overall, China’s trade surplus narrowed to USD 90.5B from USD 102.3B, undershooting expectations of USD 98.5B. The surplus with the U.S. widened to USD 22.8B, even as total bilateral trade continued to shrink—exports to the U.S. fell nearly -17% in the first three quarters, while imports declined -11.6%. At the same time, trade deficit with Russia expanded to its widest level in six months at USD 2.1B.
