China’s Export Engine Stutters as Iran War Chills Global Demand

A cargo ship loaded with containers docks at the port of Lianyungang, in Jiangsu Province, eastern China, on August 7, 2024. China’s rail freight exports to Vietnam hit a record in 2025, volumes rising 86% as capacity and border handling expanded. (Photo: AFP Images.)
A cargo ship loaded with containers docks at the port of Lianyungang, in Jiangsu Province, eastern China, on August 7, 2024. China’s rail freight exports to Vietnam hit a record in 2025, volumes rising 86% as capacity and border handling expanded. Photo/ AFP Images

By Joe Cash

China’s export engine slowed sharply in March as war in the Middle East triggered shocks to energy and transportation costs, hurting global demand and exposing the risks in Beijing’s strategy of leaning on manufacturing to sustain growth.

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