CHINA - Trade Surplus Surpasses $1 Trillion

Beijing reported the world’s largest-ever trade surplus—the value of goods and services sold overseas compared to its imports—at $1.19tn (£890bn).

Trade with the US did weaken, but this was made up for by a rise in Chinese exports elsewhere, especially to South East Asia, Africa and Latin America.

Wang Jun, the deputy director of China’s customs, said during a press conference that the figures are “extraordinary and hard-won” given the “profound changes” and challenges in global trade.

He noted a rise in exports of green technology, artificial intelligence-related products and robotics.

China’s success will likely continue in 2026 as Chinese goods and services become more deeply entrenched into global businesses, said trade policy analyst Deborah Elms.

An escalating war of words between the world’s two largest economies saw threats of blanket triple-digit tariffs.

At the time, trade experts saw this as a test of China’s reliance on the US market, which Beijing insisted was just one of many places that Chinese businesses could sell to.

-www.bbc.com, 14 January 2026

Commentary: It is no longer if, but when China will be the dominant economic force on planet earth. Deputy director of customs Wang Jun rightly stated this was “extraordinary and hard-won.” There is little to no doubt that China’s workforce is relatively well-disciplined, and therefore is expected to look to the future with confidence.

When attempting to comprehend what is happening, one must realize the world constantly changes. After the Second World War, it seemed like everything new, practical, and worthwhile was produced in the USA. Quite obviously, that has changed dramatically.

It is also of interest that, under the Clinton administration, the federal budget showed a surplus for the first time since 1970. According to Wikipedia, “The US last had a trade surplus in 1975, according to the Commerce Department.”

Our interest lies in the observation of the prophetic Word. Here the words of Peter to the Church are of utmost importance: “We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts” (2 Peter 1:19).

The Church—the true believers in Jesus Christ—belongs to a totally different nation. We are not in darkness but have “a light that shineth in a dark place.” Our future is not grounded in global commerce, but in the promise Jesus gives: “Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom” (Luke 12:32). These are the words of Jesus after He specifically instructs us to not follow the world, “But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you” (verse 31).

Here we again remind ourselves that communist China’s success is part of the global development to create a unified international world. Mankind will continue to attempt to create peace and prosperity. It’s simply an imitation of the promises Jesus has made to the Church, but not applicable to the world.