China's Trade Surplus Surges Past $1 Trillion Amid Currency Criticism

China's trade surplus has reached a historic milestone, surpassing $1 trillion for the first time. According to the New York Times, the accumulated trade surplus reached $1.08 trillion through November 2025, with a notable $111.68 billion surplus recorded in November alone.

This represents a 21.7 percent increase from the same period last year. While U.S. tariffs imposed during the Trump administration have reduced Chinese exports to the U.S. by nearly a fifth, China's overall exports continue to soar, particularly to Southeast Asia, Africa, Europe, and Latin America.

The weak value of the Chinese currency, the renminbi, which some economists suggest is undervalued by as much as a third, has significantly contributed to the competitiveness of Chinese goods. This currency weakness has made goods in China considerably cheaper compared to their prices in the U.S., with a Big Mac costing half as much in China and a BYD Seal plug-in hybrid car being priced at approximately $15,500 domestically compared to around $50,000 abroad.

The implications of this record trade surplus and currency policy raise concerns about the dynamics of global trade, especially amidst ongoing tensions with the United States.