China's exports rose 23.9% year on year in US dollar terms in July, beating forecasts as demand for high-tech goods stayed strong amid the global AI infrastructure buildout, according to RTHK reported.

Imports increased 27.5% from July last year, while foreign trade in yuan terms grew 19.2%. Exports of semiconductors almost doubled in US dollar value terms from a year earlier, and overall high-tech products exports rose 40.7%.

The trade surplus narrowed to US$112.5 billion from US$125.62 billion in June. Exports to the United States rose 17% to US$41.9 billion, up from US$35.8 billion a year ago.

Rare earth exports fell 17.3% from June to 4,224 tonnes, their lowest monthly level since March and 29.5% below the 5,994 tonnes shipped in July 2025.