China's Exports Rise, But U.S. Shipments Dip Amidst Trade Tensions

On May 23, 2025, police officers were observed overseeing the loading of containers onto trucks at the Yangluo Port in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China.

China's exports experienced a 4.8% increase in May compared to the previous year. This growth was slightly below expectations. Notably, shipments to the United States decreased by almost 10%. These figures were released on Monday, just before a new round of trade discussions between the U.S. and China.

In May, China's exports to the United States totaled $28.8 billion. Simultaneously, imports from the U.S. decreased by 7.4%, reaching $10.8 billion.

The pace of trade slowed in May, following an 8.1% surge in China's global exports in April. This occurred despite a deal between U.S. President Donald Trump and Beijing to postpone the implementation of significant tariff increases, allowing time for negotiations. Businesses had previously accelerated orders to avoid higher tariffs, even though some tariffs were already in effect or remained in place.

The subsequent round of U.S.-China talks was scheduled for later Monday in London. These discussions followed a phone call between Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping the previous week. Earlier in May, both sides had agreed to a 90-day suspension of most tariffs imposed during their escalating trade dispute.

Since then, the U.S. and China have engaged in disagreements regarding advanced semiconductors, "rare earths" essential to various industries, and visas for Chinese students attending American universities.