China reports record trade surplus ahead of Trump's inauguration

China reported a record trade surplus of $992.2 billion for 2024, just before Donald Trump's inauguration. This figure is expected to provoke strong reactions from the incoming administration, which plans to impose high tariffs on Chinese goods. Exports to the U.S. grew by 4.9% overall, but surged by 15.6% in December as companies rushed to fulfill orders. The trade surplus with the U.S. increased by 6.9% to $361 billion last year. China's reliance on exports for growth highlights ongoing economic imbalances, with weak domestic demand pushing policymakers to focus on international trade.