For China, the record $1.2 trillion annual trade surplus its authorities reported Wednesday is resounding proof of the resilience of its economy in the face of US trade friction.

A survey by the American Chamber of Commerce in China has found that U.S. businesses are more concerned about the country's slowing economy than trade friction.

It's the first time China's full-year trade surplus has passed $1tn, beating 2024's record figure of $993bn. China's monthly export surpluses passed $100bn seven times last year - a sign that Trump's tariff campaign have barely affected its overall trade with the rest of the world.

China was able to offset a slump in exports to the U.S. by redirecting them to Africa, India, Europe and Southeast Asian countries.

China has reported its trade surplus surged to a record of almost $1.2 trillion last year as exports to other countries made up for slowing shipments to the United States

China on Monday appointed Jiang Chenghua as Deputy Representative for International Trade Negotiations, a veteran negotiator with experience in export controls and in managing the country's investment ties with the U.

Tensions escalated in December last year when Beijing announced provisional punitive duties on European dairy products, a move widely seen as retaliation for EU tariffs imposed in 2024 on Chinese-made electric vehicles. China has also expressed displeasure over attempts by Germany’s Volkswagen to seek exemptions from the EV duties.