China-US trade falls 10.4% in early 2026 despite April rebound

Trade between China and the United States declined in the first four months of 2026, with Chinese exports to the US dropping by more than 10%, according to official data.

Figures released by the General Administration of Customs of China show that bilateral trade totaled $179.2 billion in January–April, marking a 10.4% decrease compared to the same period last year.

During this period, Chinese exports to the United States amounted to $133.44 billion, down 10.2% year-on-year. Imports of US goods into China also fell, declining by 10.9% to $45.76 billion.

As a result, China recorded a trade surplus of $87.68 billion with the United States, which is 9.6% lower than in the corresponding period of 2025.

Despite the overall decline, trade activity rebounded in April. Bilateral turnover increased by 20% compared to March, reaching $50.45 billion. Chinese exports to the US rose by 24.8% to $36.76 billion, while imports from the United States grew by 8.5% to $13.69 billion.

Trade between the two countries continues to cover a wide range of goods. China imports soybeans, cotton, corn, microchips, SUVs, coking coal, copper and copper ore from the United States. In turn, the US imports smartphones, low-value goods with simplified customs clearance, computers, lithium-ion batteries, children’s toys, plastic products, surveillance cameras, household appliances, clothing and footwear from China.

Looking at broader trends, bilateral trade increased by 3.7% in 2024 but declined sharply by 18.7% in 2025, totaling $559.74 billion.

By Tamilla Hasanova