QtrendsChina exports surge on AI boom and tariff rush
China's exports grew at their fastest pace since 2021 in June, with total foreign trade up 16.9% in the first half of 2026. The AI boom and businesses rushing to front-load shipments ahead of potential tariff hikes drove the surge, offsetting weakness in other sectors. CNBC reported the June export acceleration, while China Daily highlighted the overall H1 trade expansion. Nikkei Asia noted the AI-driven growth helped compensate for sluggish sectors.
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China's foreign trade up 16.9% in the first half of 2026
(China Daily)
China's foreign trade surges 16.9% in H1
(China Daily)
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