China reports record trade surplus ahead of Trump's inauguration

China reported a record trade surplus of $992.2 billion for 2024, just a week before Donald Trump's inauguration. This figure is expected to provoke strong reactions from the incoming administration. Exports to the U.S. increased by 4.9% overall, with a notable 15.6% rise in December. This surge reflects efforts by Chinese companies and U.S. importers to fulfill orders before Trump's return to office. China's trade surplus with the U.S. rose 6.9% to $361 billion last year. The surplus highlights ongoing economic imbalances, as weak domestic demand pushes China to rely more on exports for growth.