China: Merchandise exports grow at a faster pace in June
Merchandise exports shot up 32.2% on an annual basis in June (May: +27.9% year-on-year. Meanwhile, merchandise imports soared 36.7% on an annual basis in June (May: +51.1% yoy). Both readings markedly outpaced market expectations. Exports were spurred by strong demand from key developed markets such as the U.S. and the Eurozone, while imports were buoyed by higher commodity prices.
As a result, the merchandise trade balance improved from the previous month, recording a USD 51.5 billion surplus in June (May 2021: USD 45.5 billion surplus; June 2020: USD 44.8 billion surplus). Lastly, the trend improved, with the 12-month trailing merchandise trade balance recording a USD 617.6 billion surplus in June, compared to the USD 610.8 billion surplus in May.
Year-on-year growth rates for exports and imports will likely ebb in H2 as the base effect turns less favorable and consumers in developed markets shift consumption away from goods towards services as mobility restrictions are lifted. However, momentum should remain fairly robust nonetheless.