China’s exports significantly slowed in March compared to the previous two months, growing only 2.5% in March from a year ago, as uncertainties rose from the Iran war and its impact on energy prices and global demand, reports AP.
The figure missed analysts’ estimates and was sharply down from the 21.8% export growth recorded for January and February, according to the March export data released by China’s customs agency April 14.
Meanwhile, imports for March surged 27.8%, up from the 19.8% year-on-year increase in the first two months of this year.
AP says that, while technology-related exports including a jump in shipments of semiconductors from China on the global artificial intelligence boom have powered its robust exports in early 2026, economists say impacts from the prolonged Iran war could reduce global demand for Chinese exports going forward.