China trade balance grows slightly in Aug as exports miss forecasts, imports slow

Published 08/09/2025, 04:32
© Reuters.

Investing.com-- China’s trade balance grew slightly more than expected in August, as export growth slowed amid waning momentum from a temporary trade truce with the U.S., while imports also weakened amid sluggish domestic demand.

Trade balance grew to a surplus of $102.30 billion, customs data showed on Monday, more than expectations of $99.40 billion. The surplus also picked up from the $98.24 billion seen in the prior month.

China’s exports rose 4.4% in August from a year earlier in dollar terms, missing forecasts of 5.0% and slowing from July’s 7.2% gain.

The moderation reflects fading momentum from a temporary U.S.–China tariff truce and softer shipments to key markets, including the United States.

Exports had recovered steadily in the past few months after Beijing and Washington agreed in mid-May to slash their respective trade tariffs. Both sides confirmed the agreement in June and renewed the temporary truce for another 90 days last month.

Imports increased 1.3% year-on-year, below expectations of 3.0% and down from July’s 4.1%, highlighting sluggish domestic demand and calls for a fresh stimulus package from the government.

Latest comments

Risk Disclosure: Trading in financial instruments and/or cryptocurrencies involves high risks including the risk of losing some, or all, of your investment amount, and may not be suitable for all investors. Prices of cryptocurrencies are extremely volatile and may be affected by external factors such as financial, regulatory or political events. Trading on margin increases the financial risks.
Before deciding to trade in financial instrument or cryptocurrencies you should be fully informed of the risks and costs associated with trading the financial markets, carefully consider your investment objectives, level of experience, and risk appetite, and seek professional advice where needed.
Fusion Media would like to remind you that the data contained in this website is not necessarily real-time nor accurate. The data and prices on the website are not necessarily provided by any market or exchange, but may be provided by market makers, and so prices may not be accurate and may differ from the actual price at any given market, meaning prices are indicative and not appropriate for trading purposes. Fusion Media and any provider of the data contained in this website will not accept liability for any loss or damage as a result of your trading, or your reliance on the information contained within this website.
It is prohibited to use, store, reproduce, display, modify, transmit or distribute the data contained in this website without the explicit prior written permission of Fusion Media and/or the data provider. All intellectual property rights are reserved by the providers and/or the exchange providing the data contained in this website.
Fusion Media may be compensated by the advertisers that appear on the website, based on your interaction with the advertisements or advertisers
© 2007-2025 - Fusion Media Limited. All Rights Reserved.