China's exports accelerated in June, jumping 27 percent from a year earlier. This growth outpaced the 19.4 percent gain seen in May and topped all forecasts, defying expectations of a slowdown.
The surge was driven largely by a boom in artificial intelligence, with strong global demand for AI hardware and surging chip prices needed to power data centers lifting trade across Asia. Additionally, firms accelerated shipments to the U.S. in a rush to beat anticipated tariff hikes.
Companies also competed aggressively on prices to attract cost-conscious consumers. This increase in trade growth provides a vital boost to an economy that continues to be weighed down by weak domestic demand.