China’s exports to the United States suffered a sharp decline in April, while its trade with other regions around the world showed sustained growth.
China’s exports to the United States suffered a sharp decline in April, while its trade with other regions around the world showed sustained growth, highlighting a global reconfiguration of supply chains driven by U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff offensive.
According to official data, China’s total exports grew 8.1% year-on-year in April, far exceeding market expectations, although below the 12.4% recorded in March. On the other hand, imports decreased by 0.2% over the same period.
Trade with the United States was the most affected. Chinese exports to the North American country plummeted by 21% in dollar terms, largely due to the tariff increases imposed by the Trump administration, which reached up to 145% on certain products. Imports from the U.S. also declined, falling by 13% compared to April of the previous year. China’s trade surplus with the U.S. shrank to $20.5 billion, down from $27.2 billion a year earlier.

Impact of tariffs on chinese exports
During the first four months of the year, China’s exports to the U.S. dropped by 2.5%, while imports from that country fell by 4.7%. These figures reflect an uncertain trade outlook between the world’s two largest economies amid unresolved geopolitical tensions and trade disputes.
Chinese exports to other markets continue to rise. In the first four months of the year, shipments to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) increased by 11.5%, as did those to Latin America. Exports to India rose nearly 16%, and to Africa by 15%. Notable growth was seen in exports to Vietnam (18%) and Thailand (20%), reflecting manufacturers’ efforts to diversify their production chains outside mainland China, according to Transport Topics.
Domestically, China faces additional challenges. Recent indicators show a decline in maritime transport and other commercial activities. In response, the government has announced a series of measures to mitigate the economic impact of the trade war at a time when the economy is struggling to regain momentum following the pandemic and a prolonged crisis in the real estate sector.

Trump proposes reducing tariffs on China to 80%
A possible path to easing the tariff conflict could open this weekend. On May 9, President Donald Trump proposed reducing tariffs on China from 145% to 80% as a measure to ease the trade war. The proposal comes ahead of a key meeting in Switzerland between top U.S. trade officials and a Chinese delegatbion, marking the first significant talks since the start of the tariff conflict.
However, the clarity on how Trump might reconcile his stance remains contradictory. While his advisers have stated that the U.S. president aims to isolate China, his tariffs on other trade partners complicate the formation of a lasting trade alliance.

Jerome Powell under investigation as tensions between Trump and the Fed escalate
The investigation into Powell has raised global concerns over a potential threat to the independence of the U.S. central bank. In the new episode of

Road Alert: 25 States Under Extreme Driving Conditions
Road Alert: 25 States Under Extreme Driving Conditions
Snow, ice, strong winds, and low visibility are keeping major highways under active travel advisories. The alert now affects 25 states and calls for extra caution, especially among truck drivers and freight carriers operating along key corridors.

Human Trafficking: A Nationwide Call to Action on America’s Roads
Human trafficking is the focus of a nationwide awareness week aimed at educating truck drivers, motor carriers, law enforcement, and the public about human trafficking, how to spot the warning signs, and what to do if someone may be in danger.

TAA Compliance: When Safety Complaints Turn Into Six-Figure Losses
STAA compliance is no longer a technical detail for fleet owners—it is a financial, legal, and insurance exposure. A recent enforcement action in Texas shows how mishandling safety complaints can lead to termination claims, retaliation findings, and six-figure penalties, and what carriers must do to avoid becoming the next case

U.S. labor market raises red flags on Wall Street
The U.S. labor market closed 2025 with clear signs of weakening, as evidenced by the latest employment data released in December. In the latest episode

DOT finds half of North Carolina CDLs were issued illegally
The DOT warns that half of North Carolina’s CDL licenses are irregular after a federal audit uncovered serious compliance failures. The findings directly affect truckers, fleets, and transportation companies, raising urgent questions about road safety, legal operations, and the future of the trucking industry.