China pulled off its economic goal for 2025, growing by a solid 5 percent even as US tariffs tried to cramp its style. Released yesterday in Beijing by the National Bureau of Statistics, the numbers show how exports surged to keep things afloat. It’s the kind of comeback that makes you wonder about global trade’s twists and turns.

The full-year GDP hit about 140 trillion yuan, or roughly 20 trillion bucks in US dollars. That met the government’s target spot on, but the last quarter slowed to 4.5 percent growth. Still, a massive $1.2 trillion trade surplus grabbed all the headlines, fueled by shipments of everything from electric cars to semiconductors. Exports jumped despite President Donald Trump’s ongoing trade push, with sales to places like Europe and Southeast Asia picking up the slack.

But it wasn’t all smooth sailing. At home, people weren’t spending much, retail sales only crept up 3.6 percent. The property market stayed in a rut, dragging down investments by nearly 4 percent. Factories held strong though, with output rising 5.9 percent, especially in high-tech stuff.

It’s astonishing how China shifted gears to dodge those hits. China’s the world’s factory, so its wins ripple out. Strong exports mean cheaper goods everywhere, but it also amps up competition. Economists note it’s a win for now, yet weak demand could bite later. All in all, China’s resilience shines through. Let’s see if 2026 brings more surprises.

Credits: Aljazeera/ BBC & others

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