China's Export Volume Grows Amid Global Turmoil

China’s export volume recorded an increase of 14.1% in April 2026 compared to the same month last year, according to the General Administration of Customs (GAC). Despite the ongoing US-Iran war shaking the world economy, “Exports from this leading manufacturing country increased by 14.1% in April compared to the same month last year,” explained The Daily Star on Saturday (9/5/2026). When the Strait of Hormuz was closed, China was not too concerned because its energy diversification was already underway. The problem now lies with the US, where imbalances in international trade relations, including with China, are harming it. “Trade is expected to be the main topic in the upcoming meeting between Xi and Trump, with both leaders aiming for important concessions for their large economies,” reported The Daily Star. Even with the Strait of Hormuz closed, US oil exports surged 30% to 5.2 million barrels per day in April 2026. “US oil exports jumped to 5.2 million barrels per day in April, an increase of more than 30% compared to the 3.9 million barrels exported in February before the war,” explained CNBC on Sunday (3/5/2026). “It’s like a continuous procession of tanker trucks coming and going,” said Kent Britton, head of the Port of Corpus Christi. US oil exports mostly target the Asian market, which is highly dependent on supplies from the Middle East.