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China’s exports rose in 2020 despite pressure from the coronavirus and a tariff war with Washington, boosting its politically volatile trade surplus to US$535 billion, one of the highest ever reported.

Exports increased 3,6 percent over 2019 to US$2,6 trillion, an improvement on the previous year’s 0,5 percent gain, customs data showed.

Imports edged down 1,1 percent to just over US$2 trillion, but growth was strong in the second half after China became the first major economy to revive following the pandemic.

Exports to the United States rose 7,9 percent over 2019 to US$45,2 billion despite tariff hikes on most Chinese goods by the Trump administration in a feud with Beijing over technology and security.

Imports of US goods rose 9,8 percent to US$13,5 billion, boosted by Beijing’s promise as part of a truce in that conflict to buy more American soybeans, natural gas and other exports.

China’s exporters benefited from the relatively early reopening of its economy and demand for masks and other Chinese-made medical supplies.

Exporters have taken market share from foreign competitors that still face anti-virus curbs, but that advantage is expected to fade as coronavirus vaccines are rolled out and other economies return to normal.

Demand for medical goods also is receding.

“The current strength of exports is unlikely to be sustained indefinitely,” said Julian Evans-Pritchard of Capital Economics in a report. He said imports “are likely to drop back” as the government reduces high spending and other support for economic activity.

Global exports surged 18,1 percent in December over a year earlier to $281,9 billion. Imports rose 6,5 percent to us$203,7 billion, reflecting a rebound in Chinese consumer demand after the ruling Communist Party reopened factories, shopping malls, offices and auto dealerships.

December exports to the US were US$4,6 billion. Imports of American goods were US$1,6 billion, giving China a US$3 billion surplus.

“In 2020, China made outstanding achievements in foreign trade, which did not come easy,” said a statement by the General Administration of Customs of China.

It warned against complacency, saying the global economic situation “is still grave and complex.”

The election of Joe Biden to succeed President Donald Trump has raised questions about the future of Trump’s fight with Beijing.

Economists and political analysts expect few changes due to widespread frustration in Washington with China’s record on trade and human rights and complaints about technology theft and spying.

Beijing promised to buy more American exports in the “Phase 1” agreement last January aimed at ending the tariff war. The two governments agreed to postpone further planned tariff hikes on each other’s goods, but penalties on billions of dollars of imports remain.

China fell behind on meeting those commitments but started to catch up as demand rebounded. It is on track to be the only major economy to grow in 2020 while activity in the US, Europe and Japan falls. — AP.