China's exports rise despite trade dispute

In the first half of the year, exports grew by 5.9 percent compared to the same period last year. In June, the trade surplus amounted to around 114.77 billion US dollars.

Analysts had expected exports to increase by around 5 percent in June. One reason for this assumption was that exporters shipped their goods ahead of schedule due to concerns about possible further US tariffs.

Imports turn positive

After several months in the red, imports rose slightly by 1.1% in June, which was roughly in line with market observers' expectations. From January to June inclusive, however, imports fell by 3.9% compared to the same period last year.

The world's second-largest economy is under pressure due to ongoing disputes with key trading partners such as the USA and the EU. In China, overheated competition in some sectors and weak demand have been causing problems for some time - the background to this is also the swirling real estate crisis. In addition, the proportion of young people unable to find work is high.