China’s trade grew sharply in August as strong global demand for artificial intelligence (AI) technology boosted exports.
The latest figures also come as President Xi Jinping prepares for an expected meeting with US President Donald Trump in Washington.
China’s exports rise 25 percent
China’s exports increased by 25 percent year-on-year in August.
The growth accelerated from 23.9 percent recorded in July.
However, the latest figure fell slightly below the 25.9 percent growth economists had expected in a Bloomberg survey.
Meanwhile, imports rose by 28.2 percent.
That was higher than July’s 27.5 percent growth. However, it remained below the 31 percent forecast by economists.
AI drives demand for Chinese products
Strong overseas demand has helped support China’s economy this year.
In particular, the global AI boom has increased demand for semiconductors, computers and other technology products.
According to customs data, China’s exports of computers and related parts increased by 49.4 percent between January and August.
China has also continued to benefit from strong exports of electric vehicles, consumer goods and industrial equipment.
Zhiwei Zhang, president and chief economist at Pinpoint Asset Management, said exports continue to play an important role in supporting China’s economy.
“China continues to rely on the exporters to support the economy,” Zhang wrote.
US trade grows ahead of Xi-Trump meeting
China’s trade with the United States also increased significantly in August.
Shipments to the US rose by 34.4 percent compared with the same month last year.
That was a major increase from the 17 percent growth recorded in July.
However, China’s large trade surpluses with several countries have created political concerns.
Some governments argue that the growing flow of Chinese goods is putting pressure on local businesses and manufacturers.
Zhang said the United States had raised concerns about the trade imbalance at the G20 meeting.
“The US government made it clear at the G20 meeting that they are concerned about this issue,” Zhang wrote.
China recorded $1.1 trillion trade surplus
China recorded a record trade surplus of $1.1 trillion in 2025.
Strong exports to the European Union, Southeast Asia and Africa helped offset a sharp decline in shipments to the United States.
The decline followed the trade war between Washington and Beijing.
Last year’s tariff dispute created fresh tensions between the two economic powers.
The United States imposed heavy tariffs on Chinese goods, while China responded with its own measures.
The two sides later eased some of the tariffs after China introduced restrictions on the export of rare earths to the United States.
Xi and Trump expected to meet
The latest trade figures come ahead of an expected high-level meeting between Xi and Trump in Washington this month.
The two leaders are likely to face major trade and economic issues during the talks.
For China, strong exports have provided important support as domestic economic activity remains weak.
Meanwhile, the continued growth in technology exports shows how the global AI boom is creating new opportunities for Chinese manufacturers.
