June 09, 2026
China's export growth accelerated in May, buoyed by robust demand for chips, autos and other high-tech goods fuelling the global AI boom, giving policymakers some relief as energy price shocks from the Iran conflict weigh on broader demand.
A surge in global AI investment has helped the world's top manufacturer offset the export hit many had expected from the Middle East turmoil. But signs are emerging that stockpiling linked to higher energy costs is fading, with prices rising and overseas buyers starting to run down inventories as they wait for a ceasefire.
Exports expanded 19.4 percent from a year earlier in US dollar value terms, customs data showed on Tuesday, outpacing the 14.1 percent gain in April and a 15 percent rise tipped by economists.
Imports notched another strong month, climbing 27.4 percent versus a rise of 25.3 percent a month prior. Economists had forecast growth of 25 percent.
