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 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.

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