2025 ranked among the hottest years on record, placing third overall since 1850 (and second in some datasets). Record heat persisted despite La Niña conditions, which typically cool the planet, highlighting the growing impact of accumulated greenhouse gases and the fueling of extreme weather.

China has reported its trade surplus surged to a record of almost $1.2 trillion last year as exports to other countries made up for slowing shipments to the United States under President Donald Trump