China’s July exports grew nearly 24%, driven by strong overseas demand for advanced electronics and vehicles, signalling ongoing resilience in its industrial export sector despite a slight slowdown from June.
China’s exports rose at a slightly slower pace in July than in June, but the figures still came in above market expectations, helped by firm overseas demand for high-tech electronics and vehicles. Customs data released on Friday showed exports increased by nearly 24% from a year earlier, easing from June’s 27% rise, while the trade surplus narrowed to $112.5 billion from $125.6 billion the previous month.
The latest numbers point to continuing strength in China’s industrial export engine, even as growth moderated from the previous month. The AP reported that high-tech exports climbed 41% and vehicle shipments were up 55% in the January-to-July period compared with a year earlier, underscoring the country’s shift towards more advanced manufacturing. Exports to the European Union and South-east Asia also expanded strongly, helping offset slower momentum elsewhere.
That performance fits a broader pattern seen in the first half of 2026, when official customs figures showed China’s total trade reached a record 25.47 trillion yuan, or about $3.75 trillion. Exports over that period rose 13.4% to 14.73 trillion yuan, according to reports citing the General Administration of Customs, while high-tech goods were a major driver of growth. Industry coverage also pointed to surging integrated circuit exports, though much of the increase appeared to reflect higher chip prices rather than a large rise in shipment volumes.
Imports were less buoyant than exports, but rising commodity prices still lifted the value of some incoming energy purchases. The AP said imports of crude oil and natural gas increased in value in July, even as the overall trade balance remained heavily in surplus. That combination suggests external demand for China’s manufactured goods remains a key support for growth, even as the pace of expansion becomes more uneven month to month.
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