A cargo ship is loading and unloading foreign trade containers at Qingdao Port in Qingdao Port, Shandong Province, China on June 9, 2025.
Cfoto | Future Publishing | Getty Images
China’s exports growth missed expectations in August as businesses’ front-loading activity aimed at avoiding higher U.S. tariffs lost momentum, while imports also grew less than expected as domestic demand stays weak.
Exports climbed 4.4% in August in U.S. dollar terms from a year earlier, customs data showed Monday, marking the lowest level since February while missing Reuters-polled economists’ estimates for a 5.0% rise.
That growth slowed from the prior two months, in part reflecting the statistical effect of a high base last year when China’s exports grew at their fastest pace in nearly one-and-a-half years.
Imports rose 1.3% last month from a year ago, missing Reuters estimates for a 3% growth. Imports rose for a third straight month after returning to growth in June, albeit still muted due to the persistent real estate slump, rising job insecurity, among other things.
Beijing and Washington on Aug. 11 agreed to extend their tariff truce for another 90 days, locking in place U.S. tariffs of around 55% on Chinese imports and 30% Chinese duties on U.S. goods, according to Peterson Institute for International Economist.
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