Investing.com- China’s trade balance rose more than expected in December, helped by stronger-than-expected exports as local companies braced for U.S. trade tariffs under President-elect Donald Trump.
rose to $104.84 billion in December, compared with expectations of $100 billion, government data showed on Monday. The reading was also up sharply from the $92.44 billion recorded in the previous month.
it rose 10.7% year-on-year, more than expectations of 7.3% and sharply from the 6.7% recorded in November. The strong print came as local exporters front-loaded their US shipments ahead of the imposition of steep import tariffs by Trump, who has vowed to impose tariffs from “day one” of his presidency.
Trump will take office on January 20.
The strong jump in exports also largely offset an unexpected increase in Chinese imports, as local demand showed some signs of improvement amid consistent stimulus measures from Beijing.
rose 1% in December, compared to expectations for a 1.5% decline. Imports also improved from the 3.9% decline recorded in the previous month.
Local demand in China is expected to improve this year, especially as Beijing implements more stimulus measures to support the economy. The government is expected to increase fiscal spending to boost the economy through the impact of Trump’s tariffs.
