China delivered one of its strongest trade performances of 2026 after exports climbed 27% year-over-year in June, significantly outperforming market expectations of 18.2%. According to China’s General Administration of Customs, exports reached $412.39 billion, driven primarily by robust international demand for artificial intelligence-related products, semiconductors, and batteries.
Imports also exceeded forecasts, rising 36% to $286.76 billion, reflecting higher commodity prices and strong domestic demand. As a result, China recorded a trade surplus of $125.62 billion, up from $105.43 billion in May.
Officials credited China’s manufacturing sector for successfully aligning production with evolving global demand, particularly in high-tech industries. Stable supply chains during geopolitical disruptions, including the conflict involving Iran, also helped maintain export momentum.
Trade performance varied across major markets. Exports to the United States increased 13.9%, shipments to ASEAN countries rose 34.6%, and exports to the European Union expanded 18.5%, demonstrating broad-based international demand despite ongoing economic uncertainty.
For the first half of 2026, China’s exports increased 17.6%, while imports grew 26.6%, reinforcing the country’s central role in global manufacturing, technology production, and international supply chains.
Economists believe continued investment in AI technologies, semiconductor production, and battery manufacturing could further strengthen China’s export performance, although future growth will depend on geopolitical developments, global demand, and international trade policies.
