国际贸易数据点评（2024.12）：欧盟关税趋缓与“抢跑效应”共同推升出口

Export Performance - December exports increased by 10.7% year-on-year, a significant rebound of 4.0 percentage points from November, marking the second-highest growth since August 2022[1] - The trade surplus in December reached a historic high of $104.84 billion, surpassing $100 billion for the first time[1] - Exports to the U.S. surged by 7.6 percentage points to 15.6% year-on-year, driven by a "rush to export" before the implementation of Trump's tariffs[1] Import Dynamics - December imports rebounded sharply by 4.9 percentage points to 1.0% year-on-year, following two months of decline[1] - The increase in imports was primarily driven by a recovery in domestic demand for chemical products and capital goods, with contributions rising by 0.8 and 2.7 percentage points respectively[1] - Imports of intermediate goods for processing surged by 7.4 percentage points to 14.5% year-on-year, influenced by the "rush to export" to the U.S.[1] Structural Insights - The easing of EU tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles is expected to have a lasting positive impact on the export structure, particularly in the automotive sector[1] - The semiconductor industry continues to face challenges due to intensified U.S. restrictions, with its contribution to total exports declining to just 0.1%, the lowest in nearly 10 months[1] - The overall export growth for 2024 is projected to increase by 10.5 percentage points to 5.8% year-on-year, despite a low base effect[1] Future Outlook - The potential for a decline in export performance exists as Trump's administration may implement more aggressive tariffs, which could negatively impact both global and Chinese exports[1] - The Chinese government is expected to maintain high levels of fiscal subsidies, estimated at around $500 billion, to stimulate domestic consumption and counteract potential export declines[1] - The forecast for 2025 exports remains unchanged at a year-on-year growth of 1.6%, with risks of narrowing net export contributions to economic growth[1]