China's exports rose in November after a decline the previous month, reported Reuters, with shipments lifted by a low comparison base and fading holiday effects. The rebound exceeded market expectations.

The General Administration of Customs said exports increased 5.9 per cent year-on-year in dollar terms, while imports grew 1.9 per cent.

As exports outpaced imports, the trade surplus widened by $21.6 billion to $111.7 billion, the highest monthly level in the second half of the year. The export reading beat the 3.7 per cent average forecast in a Caixin survey of economists, while imports fell short of expectations for 3.4 per cent growth.

Commentary from Hong Kong's China Economic Review noted that China's leaders have made boosting domestic demand their top economic priority for 2026, following a slowdown in momentum. The Politburo's December meeting underscored that the main challenge is consumers' reluctance to spend, with exports no longer a reliable driver.

The review added that the property market, a core part of the domestic economy, remains weak and shows no signs of recovery. While Beijing has long spoken of the need to raise consumption, turning words into action has proved difficult. More details are expected in 2026 on how the government plans to achieve this.