Is Global Trade Really Moving Away From China?

Factories are moving. The trade data tells a more complicated story.

Companies have spent years reducing their dependence on China.

Factories are moving.

New production hubs are growing.

But China’s trade surplus reached a record $1.2tn in 2025.

Then came another signal.

In May, Chinese exports to North America were around up around 32% y-o-y

Southeast Asian cargo remained strong at the same time.

That matters for sourcing, trade lanes and future shipping networks.

So is global trade really moving away from China?

Here are 5️⃣ signals behind the shift:

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1️⃣ China is still exporting at scale

China’s trade surplus reached a record $1.2tn in 2025.

Exports to the US weakened.

But shipments grew into other markets.