Chinese trade with the United States experienced a decline in April, despite China’s total exports exceeding forecasts, according to official figures. This decline occurred as both countries prepared to meet for trade negotiations amidst an ongoing trade war. Exports to the United States, China’s top trading partner, decreased by 17.6% in April. Analysts had predicted a 2% increase in exports year-on-year, but they actually increased by 8.1%. Zhiwei Zhang, president and chief economist at Pinpoint Asset Management, stated that the damage from US tariffs had not yet been reflected in April’s trade data, possibly due to transshipment through other countries and trade contracts signed prior to the tariffs. He expects trade data to weaken in the coming months. Trade between the two countries has slowed significantly since US President Donald Trump imposed tariffs on China. China has responded with tariffs and other measures against US goods. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and trade representative Jamieson Greer are set to meet with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng in Switzerland for the first talks between the superpowers since Trump’s tariffs were announced. Britain recently announced a trade deal with the US that reduces tariffs on British cars and allows for increased imports of US beef and farm products. Analysts are more optimistic about the upcoming talks with China, as Trump hinted at the possibility of reducing the tariffs. China is confident in its ability to manage trade issues with the US, but wants to avoid conflict. April’s economic data also showed that China’s imports beat expectations, with a drop of 0.2% compared to the estimated 6% slide.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/may/09/china-exports-beat-expectations-despite-slump-in-trade-with-us
