China Exports Beat July Forecasts as AI Demand Fuels High-Tech Trade

China’s exports posted stronger-than-expected growth in July, supported by booming global demand for artificial intelligence infrastructure and a rush to ship goods before higher U.S. tariffs took effect.

Exports increased 23.9% year-on-year in U.S. dollar terms, according to customs data released Friday. Although growth eased from June’s 27% surge, it exceeded the 22.2% increase economists had forecast. China’s imports climbed 27.5%, compared with 36% growth in June.

Strong overseas demand remains an important pillar of China’s economic growth as weak household consumption and slowing investment weigh on the domestic economy. However, escalating trade tensions with the United States and other partners could threaten the export outlook.

AI-related products have emerged as a major source of strength. China’s semiconductor exports nearly doubled in value during the first seven months of the year, while overall high-tech exports jumped 40.7%. Vehicle exports also increased more than 50% in both value and volume as Chinese automakers accelerated their international expansion.

Traditional industries delivered weaker results. Ceramic exports declined 28.3%, while toy shipments dropped 9.7%, highlighting a widening divide between fast-growing advanced manufacturing sectors and industries exposed to softer demand.

China’s GDP growth slowed to 4.3% in the second quarter, below Beijing’s full-year target range of 4.5% to 5%, increasing the importance of exports and manufacturing to the economic outlook.

Trade tensions remain a key risk. The United States has introduced additional restrictions and tariffs affecting Chinese products, including robots, power inverters and polysilicon-related goods. Despite those measures, economists say China’s increasingly diversified exports to markets such as Europe and ASEAN could soften the impact.

China recorded a $112.5 billion trade surplus in July, down from $125.62 billion in June. Its surplus with the U.S. narrowed to $28 billion. Chinese exports to the U.S. rose 17% year-on-year, while shipments to the European Union increased 16%.

With exports and high-tech manufacturing remaining resilient, Beijing may have less urgency to introduce aggressive stimulus aimed at household consumption and the struggling property sector.