Middle East Turmoil Dampens China's Exports as Imports Surge on Fuel and Tech Demand
China's March exports grew 2.5% year-on-year, below a Bloomberg forecast of 8.6%, while imports surged 27.8% on higher Middle East fuel prices and stronger tech-related purchases (chip imports up sharply). Despite softer export momentum, the monthly trade surplus was about $51 billion, and Beijing is preparing for renewed US talks ahead of a mid-May Xi–Trump meeting amid a turbulent global backdrop.