Charting New Waters: China's Export Evolution Amid Trade Turbulence

In 2025, China reached record export levels despite challenges posed by U.S. tariff hikes and shifting market dynamics. Salespeople faced increased workload and income uncertainty, pursuing new, less lucrative markets like South America and Africa. Experts warn such diversification may be hard to sustain without developing China's local markets.

China's export-driven economy reached new heights in 2025, surging to unprecedented levels of global trade. Despite these record figures, salespeople like Aimee Chen faced significant hurdles. The era marked by U.S. tariff hikes under President Donald Trump compelled many to diversify into new, lower-income markets, notably South America, to compensate for lost U.S. orders.

This strategic shift, while aligning with China's broader trade policy, introduced new challenges. Sales agents reported lower commissions and extended working hours, with many highlighting the emotionally taxing nature of managing smaller orders in unfamiliar territories. Indeed, China recorded a trade surplus of $1.2 trillion in 2025, yet the path to this achievement was fraught with struggles.

The pivot to alternative, high-volume markets raises questions about sustainability. Consequently, experts advise that China's continued economic growth may require a renewed focus on strengthening domestic consumption to avoid a looming deflationary cycle. Without local market development, reliance on volatile foreign demand may compromise long-term profitability.

(With inputs from agencies.)