Exports to China rose in 2025, but trade deficit hit record high at $116 bn

India’s exports to China posted a $5.5 billion increase compared to last year, bucking the declining trend even as the trade deficit hit a record $116.12 billion, according to annual trade data released by Chinese customs on Wednesday.

- K)M VARMA

Bilateral trade, too, surged to an all time high to $155.62 billion in 2025, according to the data. Indian exports to China which over the years struggled to make headway climbed to $19.75 billion between January and December last year, posting a 9.7 per cent increase, amounting to $5.5 billion, according to the data. Chinese exports to India increased 12.8 per cent