Highlights:
- Exports to Africa surged 49.9%, ASEAN 29.4%, and the EU 27.8% in Jan–Feb 2026
- US-bound exports dropped 11% as Trump-era tariffs continued to weigh on bilateral trade
- Manufacturers redirected shipments to Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America to offset the loss of US demand
- Mechanical and electrical products now make up over 60% of China’s total exports
China is rapidly reshaping its trade strategy, pivoting away from the United States toward emerging and established markets worldwide.
While US exports fell 11% year-on-year, China posted remarkable gains—Africa up 49.9%, ASEAN up 29.4%, and the EU up 27.8%—in the first two months of 2026.
Despite Trump’s tariff pressure, Chinese manufacturers swiftly redirected goods to Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America, barely denting industrial momentum.
This shift also reflects a structural upgrade, with high-value mechanical and electrical products now dominating China’s export portfolio at over 60%.
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