
AI-driven demand lifts China's July exports above expectations
China's July exports rose 23.9% year-on-year, beating forecasts as AI infrastructure demand and a surge in chip shipments supported growth; imports climbed 27.5%, and the trade surplus reached $112.5 billion. Semiconductor exports jumped 117% in July, with electrical and mechanical goods (EVs, batteries, wind equipment) accounting for a large share of shipments. U.S. shipments rose about 17% amid tariff changes, while EU demand also grew, signaling the export engine could stay strong into Q3 even as domestic consumption remains weak.












