December 2025 wrapped up with some surprisingly robust trade momentum. China's export growth clocked in at 6.6% year-over-year, while imports accelerated to 5.7%—both numbers came in hotter than what analysts were penciling in. The month finished with a trade surplus hitting $114.0 billion, which is pretty substantial. For markets watching macro cycles and geopolitical trade dynamics, this kind of data matters. Strong export figures typically signal economic resilience, while import growth suggests internal demand holding steady. The combination points to an economy firing on multiple cylinders, which could shape how investors think about currency movements, commodity prices, and broader asset allocation through Q1.