China

Zhōngguó

中国

March

sānyuè

三月

imports

jìnkǒu

进口

to surge / to increase significantly

dà zēng

大增

，

exports

chūkǒu

出口

growth rate

zēng sù

增速

to fall to / to drop to

jiàng zhì

降至

six months

liù gè yuè

六个月

low point

dīdiǎn

低点

。

New Words

News in English

China March Imports Surge 27.8 Percent While Export Growth Hits Six-Month Low

China imports surged 27.8 percent year-on-year in March, the strongest growth in more than four years, while export growth slowed to just 2.5 percent, well below forecasts. In the first quarter of 2026, total trade reached 11.84 trillion yuan, up 15 percent year-on-year.

China's General Administration of Customs released data showing that March imports surged 27.8 percent year-on-year, marking the highest growth rate in over four years. In stark contrast, exports grew only 2.5 percent, far below the 8.6 percent forecast by analysts and declining to a six-month low.

The pronounced divergence between import and export growth reflects Middle East tensions' impact on global demand. The escalating geopolitical situation has dampened international purchasing power. During the first quarter, China's total foreign trade reached 11.84 trillion yuan, representing a 15 percent year-on-year increase. Exports grew 11.9 percent while imports surged 19.6 percent, with import growth notably outpacing export growth.

Notably, China's exports to the United States declined 26.5 percent year-on-year in March, severely impacted by ongoing US-China trade tensions and the strained bilateral relationship.

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