American buyers rushed to stockpile Chinese goods before Donald Trump returns to the White House with a threat to impose tariffs of between 10 and 60 percent.

China's exports surged to a record high in 2024, providing a much-needed boost for the economy as the prospect of biting tariffs imposed by US president-elect Donald Trump looms.

U.S. imports from China finished the year strong after some companies stockpiled shipments of apparel, toys, furniture and electronics ahead of President-elect Donald Trump's plan to impose new tariffs that could revive a trade war between the world's economic superpowers.

According to China's government customs agency, exports to the U.S. alone jumped 16 percent year over year during the month.