China exports and imports rose sharply in July, official data showed, as the world’s largest manufacturing power benefited from a global artificial intelligence boom that increased demand for its technology products.
The General Administration of Customs said exports rose 23.9% year on year last month, while imports climbed 27.5%, indicating continued trade momentum despite wider global economic pressures.
Strong trade growth
The data showed that China’s external trade remained resilient in July, supported by rising demand for data-processing equipment and related components as companies around the world raced to expand their artificial intelligence capabilities.
Last year, the world’s second-largest economy recorded a historic trade surplus of nearly $1.2 trillion, helping its manufacturing sector weather a long period of weak domestic consumption.
Computer exports surge
According to the customs figures, exports of computers and related parts jumped 45.2% year on year in the first seven months of the year.
That growth reflects the strong global demand for Chinese products tied to digital infrastructure and high-performance computing, both of which are increasingly important in the AI sector.
Trade with the US also rises
China’s shipments to the United States rose 17% year on year in July, despite the ongoing trade war between the two countries.
Washington has maintained tariffs and sanctions on China over concerns related to forced labour and national security, while Beijing has responded with restrictions on drone exports to the US and blacklists for six companies.
Trade imbalance with Germany widens
China’s exports to Germany also grew strongly in July, while imports from Germany fell, widening the trade imbalance between the two countries.
Customs data showed that China exported $12.3 billion worth of goods to Germany in July, up 17.4% from the same month last year. Imports from Germany fell 2.7% to $7.9 billion.
Surplus grows over first seven months
From January to July 2026, China’s exports to Germany rose 18.8% to $79.7 billion, while imports from Germany increased only 1.1% to $53 billion.
As a result, China’s trade surplus with Germany reached about $27 billion in the first seven months of the year, adding to concerns in Berlin about rising Chinese competition, especially in the car and machinery sectors.
Trade with other regions
China’s imports from many other regions also rose sharply in July, increasing 27.5%, while exports rose 23.9%.
Imports from ASEAN countries climbed 36%, from Russia 26.8%, from Africa 25%, and from the United States 15.3%. At the same time, exports to ASEAN rose 38.4% and exports to Africa increased 18.2%.
Conclusion:
The July figures show that China exports and imports remained strong despite global trade tensions and geopolitical pressure. With demand for AI-related products boosting manufacturing and exports to key markets continuing to rise, China remains a major force in global supply chains.
