China's June exports surge 27% and imports 36% as AI-chain goods lead

Summary

China's customs data showed June exports rose 27.0% year-on-year and imports jumped 36.0%, both far above forecasts, with integrated-circuit exports up 122.3%. For the first half, exports grew 17.6% and imports 26.6%. Analysts tied the strength to AI supply-chain investment and a post-oil-price-release export catch-up.