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China Posts Record $1.2T Trade Surplus Despite US Tariffs

Is China's $1.2T trade surplus proof of unfair dumping, or evidence of genuine economic resilience and competitiveness?
China Posts Record $1.2T Trade Surplus Despite US Tariffs
Image credit: Vincent Feuray/Hans Lucas/AFP/Getty Images

The Spin

Anti-China narrative

China's massive $1.2 trillion trade surplus exposes a broken economic model that dumps cheap goods on the world while refusing to boost domestic consumption. The flood of exports is damaging industries across the globe and triggering justified alarm about unfair trade practices. Beijing's reliance on exports rather than addressing its property crisis and weak consumer demand proves that the economy remains fundamentally imbalanced.

Pro-China narrative

China's record trade performance demonstrates remarkable economic resilience and smart diversification that successfully offset tariff pressures. Strong global demand for Chinese technology, vehicles and industrial goods reflects genuine competitiveness, not dumping. The export surge proves Beijing's industrial depth and policy support are working effectively despite external headwinds.

Metaculus Prediction



The Controversies



Go Deeper


Establishment split

CRITICAL

PRO



© 2026 Improve the News Foundation. All rights reserved.Version 6.18.0

© 2026 Improve the News Foundation.

All rights reserved.

Version 6.18.0