China export growth slows as U.S. trade tension escalates

Imports unexpectedly plummet 8.4% due to sluggish demand

250307 China Jan Feb trade

China's export growth slowed in the first two months of 2025 partly due to the front-loading of orders in the preceding months in anticipation of the U.S. raising tariffs. © Reuters

GRACE LI and STELLA YIFAN XIE

HONG KONG -- China's export engine slowed sharply in the first two months of the year, as the world's No. 2 economy battles an escalating trade war with the U.S.

Total overseas shipments rose 2.3% on the year in dollar terms during the period, according to customs data released Friday, decelerating from 10.7% growth in December and undershooting the 5% increase forecast in a Reuters poll of economists.

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