China’s exports rose sharply in June, beating market expectations, as Beijing and Washington moved toward easing trade tensions with a tentative agreement to lower tariffs.
Official data released Monday by the General Administration of Customs showed exports increased by 5.8% year-on-year, surpassing the 5% rise forecast in a Bloomberg survey of economists. Imports also edged up by 1.1%, outperforming predictions of a modest 0.3% gain.
The stronger-than-expected trade figures come at a critical time for China’s economy, which continues to face headwinds from a lingering property sector crisis, weak consumer spending, and persistently high youth unemployment.
Last year, China’s exports hit record levels, serving as a key support for its slowing economy amid domestic challenges and global uncertainty.
The ongoing trade war with the United States—sparked by former President Donald Trump’s imposition of sweeping tariffs—has remained a major drag on China’s economic outlook. However, relations between the two countries have shown signs of thawing.
At talks held in London last month, Washington and Beijing reached a tentative framework to scale back punitive tariffs, marking a significant de-escalation in the years-long dispute.
Speaking at a news conference on Monday, Customs official Wang Lingjun emphasized the importance of continued engagement.
“We hope that the U.S. will continue to work together with China towards the same direction,” Wang said, according to state broadcaster CCTV.
He described the tariff truce as “hard won” and cautioned against further confrontation.
“There is no way out through blackmail and coercion. Dialogue and cooperation are the right path,” he added.
While the latest trade data offers some optimism, analysts warn that uncertainty still clouds the outlook, especially amid shifting geopolitical dynamics and fragile global demand.
AFP
