China's trade expands on AI boom, offsetting weak sectors

EconomyExports rise 27% in June, while imports jump 36%Stacked shipping containers at Yangshan Port outside Shanghai on May 7. China's total trade rose 21% year-on-year in the first half of 2026, thanks to AI-related industries. © ReutersCK TANJuly 14, 2026 12:04 JSTTOKYO -- China's trade surged in the first six months of 2026, riding global investment in artificial intelligence-related industries to overcome geopolitical uncertainty and offset sluggish domestic household consumption.