China's June exports jump 20.8% on chips, EVs

China's exports experienced a significant rebound in June, with a 20.8% year-on-year increase in value denominated in yuan. This growth was propelled by robust demand for semiconductors and a surge in electric vehicle sales, according to official data from the General Administration of Customs.

The trade surplus for the month widened by 4% compared to June of the previous year, reaching approximately 859.05 billion yuan ($126.7 billion). This figure surpassed analyst expectations, highlighting the resilience of China's export sector amidst domestic demand challenges.

Overall trade volume saw a substantial 24.2% increase year-on-year in June. For the first half of 2026, exports grew by 13.4% and imports by 22.1%. Analysts attribute the strong performance in semiconductors, which saw a 122% year-on-year increase, to the global artificial intelligence boom. Even excluding this factor, demand for Chinese goods, particularly in "green technologies," remains solid.

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the main phenomenon behind the rebound is the increase in semiconductor prices due to the artificial intelligence (AI) boom, although he points out that, even without it, 'external demand for Chinese goods remains solid, especially in 'green technologies.'