JAKARTA – China’s total exports to its trading partners in the ASEAN region and the European Union soared by 21% and 8% respectively, while exports to the United States (US) plunged by 21%.

According to The Straits Times on Friday (9/5), China’s export performance to several key trading partners surpassed initial expectations, prior to President Donald J. Trump’s announcement of reciprocal tariff policy on 2 April 2025.

In the first month following the policy announcement, China’s total exports rose by 8.1%, exceeding forecasts by 2%. This increase was driven by rising demand for raw materials from overseas during the 90-day delay in the implementation of US tariffs.

On the other hand, China’s imports from the US also dropped by nearly 14% after the reciprocal tariff policy was announced.

Dan Wang, China Country Director at Eurasia Group, stated that several ASEAN countries are ramping up production while the US continues to observe its 90-day delay period, which lasts until July 2025.

“Their production is highly dependent on raw material exports and intermediate goods from China,” she said.

Many now believe that the future of US-China trade will hinge on the outcome of negotiations between the two nations, scheduled to take place in Switzerland this weekend. (LK/KR/ZH)