China’s exports grow by 8.7% in August, beating expectations

BEIJING — China’s exports rose by 8.7% year-on-year in U.S. dollar terms in August, according to the customs agency.

That was higher than the forecast for growth of 6.5% year-on-year in U.S. dollar terms, according to a Reuters poll.

Imports grew by 0.5%. That was less than the expected 2% increase from a year ago in U.S. dollar terms, the poll showed. In July, exports rose by 7% from a year ago, while imports increased by a more-than-expected 7.2%.

China’s exports to its major trading partners — the U.S., European Union and Association of Southeast Asian Nations — all rose in August from a year ago. Exports to the EU grew the most, up by 13%, according to CNBC calculations of official data.

China’s imports from the U.S. rose by 12% in August from a year ago, while imports from the EU fell, the data analysis showed. Imports from ASEAN rose by 5%.

China’s imports from Russia fell by 1%, while exports rose by 10%, the data analysis showed.

China’s exports have been a bright spot in an economy otherwise struggling to boost domestic demand.

The core consumer price index, which strips out the more volatile food and energy prices, rose by 0.3% in August from a year ago, official data released Monday showed. That was the slowest since March 2021, according to Wind Information.

China’s growing reliance on exports also comes as trade tensions increase with the U.S. and European Union, leading to added tariffs on Chinese electric cars and other products.

This is a breaking news story. Please check back for updates.