China · Donald Trump · Iran · U.S. · Fortune Technology
The March export data launched by China’s customs agency Tuesday fell short of analysts’ estimates and was sharply down from
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◌ Single Source
Imports last month surged 27.8%, up from the 19.8% year-on-year increase in the first two months of this year.
Key facts
- China’s exports to the U.S. fell 26.5% year-on-year in March, widening from a 11% drop in January and February, while those to the European Union and Southeast Asia rose 8.6% and 6.9%, respectively
- Chinese leaders have set an annual economic growth target for 2026 of 4.5% to 5%, the lowest since 1991
- Imports last month surged 27.8%, up from the 19.8% year-on-year increase in the first two months of this year
- The March export data released by China’s customs agency Tuesday missed analysts’ estimates and was sharply down from the 21.8% export growth recorded for January and February
Summary
China’s exports grew 2.5% in March from a year ago, significantly slowing from the previous two months as uncertainties rose from the Iran war and its impact on energy prices and global demand. The March export data released by China’s customs agency Tuesday missed analysts’ estimates and was sharply down from the 21.8% export growth recorded for January and February. Technology-related exports including a jump in shipments of semiconductors from China on the global artificial intelligence boom have powered its robust exports in early 2026, but economists say impacts from the prolonged Iran war could affect overall global demand for Chinese exports this year. “China’s exports have decelerated as the Iran war starts to affect global demand and supply chains,” said Gary Ng, a senior economist for Asia Pacific at French bank Natixis.