China June exports rise 27% as AI demand fuels trade

China's exports surged in June, driven by strong global demand for artificial intelligence technology and a rush by manufacturers to ship goods to the United States ahead of potential new tariffs. Customs data released on Tuesday, July 14, showed exports climbed 27 percent from a year earlier in U.S. dollar terms, a four-month high that outpaced both May's 19.4 percent gain and economists' forecasts. Imports also jumped sharply, rising 36 percent year-on-year.

The robust trade performance provided a cushion for the world's second-largest economy, which is grappling with weak domestic consumption and a prolonged property sector downturn. Analysts noted that demand for semiconductors and other AI-related technology products, alongside aggressive pricing by Chinese exporters, helped sustain overseas sales despite slowing growth in major economies and uncertainty over trade relations with Washington. The data also reflected a pattern of front-loading, as U.S. retailers accelerated orders by four to six weeks to stock up for year-end sales before expected tariff increases.

This export strength has helped offset significant domestic headwinds. Separate data on manufacturing activity...