China's foreign trade delivered a robust performance in July 2025, with exports climbing 8% year-on-year to 2.31 trillion yuan ($320 billion) and imports rising 4.8% to 1.6 trillion yuan, according to Thursday's customs data. The figures signal resilience as a temporary tariff truce with the U.S. approaches its August 12 expiration date.
Trade Growth Amid Tariff Uncertainty
July's total trade volume hit 3.91 trillion yuan ($543 billion), up 6.7% from 2024. In U.S. dollar terms, exports surged 7.2% – outperforming analyst expectations – while imports grew 4.1%, marking the strongest gain in 12 months. This rebound in domestic demand comes as businesses navigate shifting global supply chains.
Domestic Demand Shows Resilience
The import growth, led by industrial raw materials and consumer goods, suggests China's domestic market is regaining momentum after 2024's slowdown. Analysts note the data could strengthen Beijing's position in ongoing cross-Pacific trade negotiations.
With the tariff pause deadline looming, July's trade figures highlight Asia's largest economy's capacity to adapt to complex global conditions while maintaining growth drivers at home.
