China’s trade surplus hit a record $213.62 billion in January-February, well above the $179.6 billion forecast, as exports rose 21.8% YoY against expectations of 7.1% growth, customs data showed Imports surged 19.8%, beating the 6.3% projection. While trade with the U.S. fell 16.9% to $88.22 billion, trade with the EU climbed 19.9% and ASEAN rose 20.3%. February’s CPI rose 1.3% — its biggest jump in over three years — surpassing expectations, though analysts cautioned that the late Chinese New Year likely inflated the figures.

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