Middle East tensions may affect exports, but impact limited and manageable: NBS

2026.04.16 China's statistics bureau said on Thursday that developments in the Middle East could affect exports, but that the overall impact would be limited and manageable, citing the resilience of the economy and its supply chains. Speaking at a press briefing, MAO Shengyong, deputy director of the National Bureau of Statistics, said China's deep integration into the global economy meant its exports would inevitably be affected to some extent, but strengths including an integrated industrial supply chain, a more diversified energy mix and greater resilience should help cushion the impact. Data from the General Administration of Customs showed China's exports rose 2.5% year-on-year in March in U.S. dollar terms, down 19.3 percentage points from the January-February period. Analysts at Everbright Securities said geopolitical tensions and base effects could weigh on near-term export growth, while China's manufacturing competitiveness and demand from emerging markets should provide longer-term support.