China Says Exports To U.S. Fell 35% In May As Trade Talks Resume

China’s exports to the United States dropped 35% year-on-year in May, according to new customs data, adding to economic pressures as trade talks between Beijing and Washington were set to resume in London later the same day.

Despite plummeting U.S. sales, China’s exports to Southeast Asia and the European Union remained strong, growing 14.8% and 12%, respectively. I Photo: GWM Europe LinkedIn

The Associated Press (AP) reported the figures via Elaine Kurtenbach and Yu Bing. Total Chinese exports rose 4.8% in May, slowing from an 8.1% increase in April.

Imports declined 3.4%, leaving a trade surplus of $103.2 billion. Exports to the U.S. totaled $28.8 billion, compared to $44 billion in May 2024. Imports from the U.S. fell to $10.8 billion.

Despite plummeting U.S. sales, China’s exports to Southeast Asia and the European Union remained strong, growing 14.8% and 12%, respectively. Shipments to Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia rose sharply, while exports to Germany climbed over 12%.

“The acceleration of exports to other economies has helped China’s exports remain relatively buoyant in the face of the trade war,” said Lynne Song of ING Economics, according to Reuters.

Zhiwei Zhang, Chief Economist at Pinpoint Asset Management, added: “The trade war between China and the U.S. led to sharply lower exports to the U.S., but the damage was offset by stronger exports to other countries.”

He warned, however, that “the trade outlook remains highly uncertain,” citing the impact of “frontloading,” where overseas buyers rush orders ahead of expected tariff hikes, AFP's Peter Catterall reported.