China's exports surge 36.3% in September as trade surplus hits $133.5 billion
China's exports surged 36.3% in September 2026 from a year earlier, far exceeding forecasts as strong global demand for technology products helped support the world's second-largest economy.
Main points
- China's exports jumped 36.3% in September.
- Imports rose 31%, beating forecasts.
- The monthly trade surplus reached $133.5 billion.
China's exports surged 36.3% in September 2026 from a year earlier, far exceeding forecasts as strong global demand for technology products helped support the world's second-largest economy.
Imports also climbed 31%, according to data released by China's General Administration of Customs on October 14, pushing the country's monthly trade surplus to $133.53 billion.
The chart above, based on customs data and LSEG figures, shows a sharp recovery in China's trade since September 2023, when exports fell 6.8% and imports declined 6.3%.
September's export growth accelerated from 25% in August and exceeded the 25.5% increase forecast by economists in a Reuters poll.
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Imports also grew faster than expected, rising from 28.2% in August and beating forecasts of 24.5%.
Strong demand for semiconductors, vehicles and other technology products helped drive the increase. China's semiconductor exports rose 108.1% in value during the first nine months of 2026 compared with the same period a year earlier.
Growing investment in artificial intelligence infrastructure has also supported demand for Chinese-made technology products.
Trade surplus approaches $1 trillion
China's trade surplus reached $938.11 billion between January and September, putting the country on course to exceed the record $1.189 trillion surplus recorded in 2025.
The September surplus included $34.01 billion from trade with the United States and $34.8 billion from the European Union.
However, the widening gap between China's exports and imports has increased pressure from major trading partners concerned about competition from Chinese manufactured goods.
China's export performance has helped support economic growth despite weak consumer spending and a prolonged downturn in the property market.
The government is targeting economic growth of 4.5% to 5% in 2026, with overseas demand remaining an important source of support.
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However, economists warn that growing trade restrictions and geopolitical tensions could threaten exports.
The latest figures show that China's factories continue to benefit from strong international demand, even as its domestic economy faces difficulties.
