New Delhi, Dec. 11 -- China's export machine is powering ahead even as the US tries to slow it down. Despite some of the steepest tariffs ever imposed by Washington, Chinese exports kept rising this year-and by end-November, the country's trade surplus crossed $1 trillion for the first time.

Mint breaks down how Beijing managed this feat and what it means for India and the world economy.

China's outbound shipments have proved remarkably resilient. In the first 11 months of 2025, exports grew 5.7% even with average US tariffs at 47.5%. Sales to the US slumped 18%, but Chinese manufacturers more than made up for it elsewhere: exports to Europe climbed 9%, while shipments to Southeast Asia and Africa surged 15% and 27%, respectively.

Larg...