Foreign trade: China withstands US pressure

Despite trade tensions, Chinese exports jumped by 12.4% in March compared with a year earlier. This was an unexpected performance at a time when companies are trying to anticipate the new tariffs imposed by Donald Trump.

By contrast, Chinese imports fell by 4.3% over the same period. The result: a trade surplus with the United States in excess of $77 billion over three months.

But it is towards South-East Asia that Beijing is accelerating: +17% in exports to the region in March, +11% to Africa. A clear diversification strategy at a time when Washington is taking a tougher line.

To support this momentum, Xi Jinping is embarking on a diplomatic tour of Vietnam, Malaysia and Cambodia. The aim is to strengthen regional economic ties… and show that China will not give in to American pressure.

source: Le monde