China's Trade Surplus Tops $1 Trillion for the Second Straight Year

China has once again sold the world over $1 trillion more than it bought.

China's trade surplus passed $1 trillion for the second year in a row, according to the latest customs data ^[1]. NBC News reported exports surged 35% ^[2].

Semafor reported that flat consumer spending inside China has pushed manufacturers to find customers abroad, fueling anger in foreign markets ^[3].

The numbers underline a long-running imbalance with the West ^[1]. When Chinese factories cannot sell at home, they cut prices and ship overseas, undercutting American and European makers of everything from steel to electric cars.

World Watch's take: a trillion-dollar surplus is not a sign of fair trade. Expect it to sharpen the fight over tariffs in Washington, especially with a new Congress arriving in January.