Wednesday, April 15, 2026-China’s export growth has slowed sharply in the first month of the Iran war, signaling early strain on global trade flows as energy disruption and shipping uncertainty ripple through supply chains.
New customs data shows that outbound shipments rose only modestly compared to the strong momentum seen earlier in the year, suggesting weakening external demand and rising costs linked to the conflict.
According to official figures, exports increased by just 2.5% year-on-year in March, a significant drop from the double-digit growth recorded in the previous two months.
The slowdown comes as the war in Iran continues to disrupt global energy markets, push up freight costs, and create uncertainty for manufacturers and buyers across Asia, Europe, and the United States. At the same time, imports into China surged sharply, reflecting higher commodity prices and shifting supply needs.
Analysts say the data points to the first clear sign that the conflict is weighing on China’s export-driven economy. While sectors such as electronics and green technology remain relatively strong, broader demand is softening as global businesses adjust to volatile energy prices and potential shipping disruptions.
Economists warn that if the conflict continues, trade pressures could intensify further, adding strain to an already fragile global economic outlook.

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