China’s record trade surplus could prompt protectionist response in 2026: report

While China has already logged a record-breaking trade surplus in the first 11 months of 2025, that milestone could be a harbinger of more protectionist pushback, an American research firm said on Monday – a development that could complicate the country’s efforts to meet its economic growth target in 2026. Though export performance remains the “most important” variable for China's real economic growth rate next year, trade measures adopted by other countries and weaker demand will also have an...