China's exports rose between 19% and 19.4% year-on-year in May 2026, marking the fastest growth in three months and surpassing forecasts near 15% [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. Exports to the United States surged 35.4%, fueling overall export strength [1, 3, 5]. Imports increased between 24.3% and 27.4%, leaving China with a trade surplus of about US$105.4 billion in May [1, 2, 3, 5].

The global surge in AI infrastructure demand played a key role in offsetting trade disruptions caused by the ongoing Middle East conflict [1, 2, 3, 4, 6]. China's semiconductor export value more than doubled, rising 110% to 111% year-on-year and reaching roughly US$36 billion in May [3, 6]. Computer and parts exports jumped 66%, the fastest pace since 2010 [2, 3, 6]. Hao Zhou, Chief Economist at Guotai Junan International Holdings, said the strong export numbers provide "a meaningful buffer to domestic softness" [2].

Despite the tech export boom, traditional categories such as clothing and toys showed flat or declining demand [1, 3, 6]. South Korean semiconductor exports to China also surged over 200% year-on-year in May, supporting chip supply chains [1, 2]. However, China's manufacturing PMI new export orders index fell in May, suggesting some slowing demand influenced by Middle East tensions [3]. Rising export prices in April, driven by oil, chip, and metal costs, marked the fastest increase in three years [1].

Chinese officials highlighted ongoing global trade cooperation amid strong export performance. 吕大良, Director at the General Administration of Customs, said "今年来中国积极深化和全球经贸伙伴的务实合作，前五个月进出口保持良好运营态势" (China has actively deepened pragmatic cooperation with global trade partners this year, maintaining good import and export momentum in the first five months) [3]. Senior Economist 徐天辰 noted that "AI contributed over 50% of May's export growth; with continued AI investment, double-digit export growth will persist" [3]. 王青, Chief Macro Analyst at Oriental Jincheng, added, "China’s strong chip exports will last at least until the third quarter, possibly through year-end" [3].

In April, China's exports grew 14.1%, with semiconductor and computer exports accounting for about half of that growth, signaling an accelerating trend heading into May [1, 2, 3].

China's next official trade data release is expected in early July, providing further insight into export performance amid ongoing geopolitical challenges.