Citi(US:C)2025-04-21 03:00Investment Rating - The report maintains a cautious outlook on China's exports, forecasting a contraction of -5% YoY for the entire year due to prohibitive US tariffs affecting approximately 80% of China's exports [7]. Core Insights - China's exports growth surged by 12.4% YoY in March, significantly exceeding market forecasts, while imports contracted at a slower pace of -4.3% YoY, leading to a trade surplus of US$102.6 billion [3][4]. - The strong export performance is attributed to front-loading activities in anticipation of US tariffs, with exports to the US rising by 9.1% YoY in March [6]. - The global manufacturing cycle remains resilient, supporting China's exports in machinery and electrical products, although semiconductor-related exports are moderating due to slowing demand [6][7]. Summary by Sections Exports Performance - Exports growth in March was robust, driven by favorable base effects and broad-based recovery across trade partners [4][6]. - For Q1 2025, exports grew by 5.7% YoY, while imports fell by 7.0% YoY, marking a six-quarter low [3]. Import Dynamics - Imports continued to contract, primarily due to sluggish domestic demand, with significant declines in iron ore and agricultural commodities [5][6]. - Notably, iron ore imports fell by -27.0% YoY in value, while oil imports showed improvement, declining only -3.7% YoY [6]. Trade Relationships - China's exports to ASEAN and other emerging markets were strong, with exports to ASEAN increasing by 11.6% YoY in March, benefiting from trade re-routing and China's role as an intermediates supplier [6][7]. - Direct exports to the US, which accounted for 14.7% of total exports in 2024, are expected to decline due to high tariffs, but China may benefit from front-loading by other trade partners [7].