China’s exports posted a strong acceleration in April 2026, with year-on-year growth jumping to 14.1%, up sharply from 2.5% in March 2026. The latest figures, updated on 9 May 2026, underline a significant improvement in external demand dynamics compared with the same period a year earlier.
On a year-over-year basis, April’s 14.1% gain signals a marked turnaround from March, when exports were up just 2.5% compared with March 2025. Both readings are calculated as changes relative to the same month of the previous year, highlighting how quickly China’s export sector has gained momentum heading into the second quarter of 2026.
The strong April performance could have important implications for China’s overall growth outlook and global trade flows if the trend proves sustainable in the coming months. For now, the data point to a notable strengthening in China’s export engine compared with early 2026 levels.
