Asian Stocks Advance on Tech Rally Despite Weak China Export Data

Broad-Based Gains Across Asian Equity Markets

Asian stock markets climbed in broad-based buying, following a sharp rally in U.S. equities on Monday. All three major U.S. indexes had closed significantly higher, supported by technology shares amid ongoing optimism around artificial intelligence demand and easing concerns over bond yields. U.S. stock index futures were little changed during Asian trading hours.

South Korea’s KOSPI surged 3.4% to a six-week high, driven by substantial moves in major chipmakers. SK Hynix Inc rose nearly 9% to a fresh record high, while Samsung Electronics gained more than 4%, as investors increased exposure to exporters and companies tied to global technology demand.

Japan’s Nikkei 225 advanced 2.5%, accompanied by gains in the broader TOPIX index. Shares of tech-investor SoftBank Group climbed more than 10%. Elsewhere in the region, Singapore’s Straits Times Index added 0.6%, Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 rose 0.4%, and futures linked to India’s Nifty 50 were up 0.5%.

China Trade Data and Geopolitical Tensions in Focus

Investor sentiment was influenced by fresh Chinese trade data that pointed to a sharp loss of momentum in exports. Outbound shipments from China increased 2.5% year-on-year in March, significantly below expectations for an 8.3% rise and down from a 21.8% surge in the January–February period. Imports, however, rose 27.8%, far above forecasts, indicating resilient domestic demand. As a result, China’s trade surplus narrowed sharply to about $51 billion, well below expectations and underscoring pressure on the country’s export sector amid rising global uncertainty.

Despite the softer external data, Chinese equities advanced. The Shanghai Composite index gained 0.8%, while the blue-chip Shanghai Shenzhen CSI 300 index edged 0.6% higher. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index was up 0.4%.

Markets were also closely watching developments in the U.S.-Iran conflict. Weekend ceasefire talks in Islamabad did not yield a breakthrough, and Washington has moved ahead with a naval blockade of Iranian ports and the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil shipping route. At the same time, media reports indicated that Washington and Tehran are discussing a potential second round of face-to-face talks aimed at extending the ceasefire before it expires.

FAQ

Which Asian market recorded the strongest gain?
South Korea’s KOSPI posted the strongest gain, rising 3.4% to a six-week high.

How did major Chinese trade indicators perform in March?
China’s exports grew 2.5% year-on-year, missing expectations of 8.3% and slowing from 21.8% growth in January–February, while imports jumped 27.8%, leading to a sharply narrower trade surplus of about $51 billion.

Which technology-related stocks were notable movers?
SK Hynix Inc advanced nearly 9% to a record high, Samsung Electronics gained more than 4%, and SoftBank Group shares in Japan rose more than 10%.