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China never deliberately pursues trade surplus, central bank governor says

Created at 2 Sep · 12:03 PM1 source↑ Market-relevant
IN SHORT

China's central bank governor stated that the country does not deliberately pursue a trade surplus, emphasizing the importance of expanding domestic demand and maintaining openness. The comments came during a G20 meeting where participants, excluding China, agreed to eliminate non-market policies contributing to global imbalances.

Key Numbers

$1.2 trillionChina's record trade surplus in 2025
2025Year of record trade surplus

Who's Involved

Pan Gongsheng
China's central bank governor
G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors
Meeting participants

↳ Why This Matters

The comments address ongoing global concerns about China's trade practices and their impact on international economic stability, particularly in the context of a record trade surplus and rising protectionism.

Key facts

  • China's central bank governor, Pan Gongsheng, stated that China does not deliberately pursue a trade surplus.
  • He emphasized expanding domestic demand and maintaining a high level of opening up to the world.
  • G20 participants, excluding China, agreed to eliminate non-market policies that exacerbate imbalances.
  • China reported a record trade surplus of nearly $1.2 trillion in 2025.
  • Pan Gongsheng called for structural reforms to address global trade imbalances, suggesting specific actions for deficit and surplus countries.

China's central bank governor, Pan Gongsheng, asserted that the nation does not deliberately pursue a trade surplus, highlighting its commitment to expanding domestic demand and maintaining global openness. His remarks were made during a G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors meeting, which concluded on Tuesday.

A chair's statement from the G20 meeting indicated that participants, with the exception of China, agreed on the necessity of eliminating "non-market policies" that contribute to global economic imbalances. This comes as China reported a record trade surplus of nearly $1.2 trillion in 2025, a figure that has concerned trading partners and led to calls for stronger measures to protect domestic industries from increased Chinese imports.

According to a statement from China's central bank, Pan Gongsheng also stated that all countries require structural reforms to address global trade imbalances. He suggested that countries with deficits should reduce fiscal deficits and increase domestic saving rates, while surplus countries should focus on promoting consumption and investment growth. Pan attributed the worsening global economic imbalance in recent years to rising trade protectionism, the generalization of national security issues, and unpredictable policy decisions. He further noted that trade frictions and protectionism have negatively impacted the global economy by disrupting supply chains, increasing inflation, and unsettling market expectations.

Frequently asked questions

China's central bank governor stated that the country never deliberately pursues a trade surplus and emphasizes expanding domestic demand and openness.

Participants, excluding China, agreed that countries should eliminate 'non-market policies' that exacerbate imbalances.

China reported a record trade surplus of nearly $1.2 trillion in 2025.

Rising trade protectionism, generalization of national security issues, and unpredictable policies are cited as key drivers.

What Happens Next

01Further G20 discussions on addressing global trade imbalances.
02Monitoring of China's trade policies and domestic demand initiatives.

How It Developed

China's central bank governor stated the country does not deliberately pursue a trade surplus.
He emphasized expanding domestic demand and maintaining a high level of opening up.
A G20 chair's statement noted participants, except China, agreed to eliminate non-market policies causing imbalances.
China reported a record trade surplus of nearly $1.2 trillion in 2025.
The governor called for structural reforms to address global trade imbalances.
He suggested deficit countries cut fiscal deficits and boost savings, while surplus countries promote consumption and investment.
Rising trade protectionism, national security concerns, and unpredictable policies were cited as drivers of global economic imbalance.

Sources

T1
China never deliberately pursues trade surplus, central bank governor saysReuters

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