China June exports jump 27%, imports surge 36% on AI demand
Why it matters: Strong chip and data-center demand is cushioning China’s weak consumer economy ahead of new US tariff risks.
China’s trade growth accelerated sharply in June, with exports rising 27% from a year earlier and imports climbing 36%, both well above forecasts as global demand for AI hardware lifted shipments. Customs data showed a trade surplus of $125.6 billion. Sales to the United States rose about 14%, while exports to Southeast Asia jumped roughly 35% and shipments to the European Union increased 18.5%. Imports from South Korea rose 85% and purchases from Taiwan climbed 41.1%, underscoring strong semiconductor demand. Economists said US retailers also pulled orders forward before expected tariff increases later this year, giving Chinese manufacturers another boost even as weak retail spending, soft investment and a prolonged property slump weigh on domestic demand.