China's exports jump 23% in July, beating estimates; imports cool

SHENZHEN, CHINA - MAY 1: The Chinese national flag is seen in front of stacked shipping containers bearing MSC (Mediterranean Shipping Company), Maersk, and Hamburg Süd branding at Yantian Port on May 1, 2026, in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China. Cheng Xin | Getty Images News | Getty ImagesChina's exports rose more than expected in July, though growth eased from June's blistering pace, with global demand for high-tech components helping absorb the country's goods. Exports grew 23% in U.S. dollar terms in July from a year earlier, official customs data showed Friday, topping Reuters-polled analysts' forecast for a 22.2% growth. That slowed from June's 27% surge, which was the fastest pace since October 2021. Imports rose 27.5% last month, just shy of Reuters estimates of 27.9% in a Reuters poll, slowing from June's 36% jump — the quickest in five years.A worldwide build-out of AI infrastructure has helped support the world's second-largest economy through a year of geopolitical shocks, keeping growth on track even as domestic consumption has been subdued.Chinese exporters had also been racing goods onto U.S.-bound ships ahead of an anticipated increase in tariffs. Washington appl...