In May 2026, China’s export growth accelerated significantly, and demand for chips, automobiles and high-tech products became the main support for the resilience of foreign trade.
The global investment boom in artificial intelligence has effectively boosted China’s manufacturing-related exports and, to a certain extent, alleviated the pressure of slowing external demand at the policy level.
According to reports, exports in US dollar terms increased by 19.4% year-on-year in May, higher than the 14.1% growth rate in April. This data exceeded economists’ previous expectations of about 15%, fully demonstrating that external demand is still strongly driving China’s manufacturing.
During the same period, imports increased by 27.4% year-on-year, which was also higher than market expectations, reflecting that technology and production-related demand remained strong.
The demand for artificial intelligence data centers and advanced electronic products continues to support China’s high-tech exports.
China’s exports of automatic data processing equipment increased by 66.1% year-on-year, and exports of high-tech products increased by 50.9%.
Integrated circuit exports have also grown significantly, and analysts believe that rising memory chip prices have further pushed up related export amounts.
The development of artificial intelligence not only brings new opportunities to China’s high-tech industry, but also allows China to occupy a more favorable position in global technology competition.
China’s automobile export shipments increased by 39% year-on-year, becoming a prominent highlight in the foreign trade structure.
This echoes with BYD and other Chinese car companies accelerating their overseas market deployment, showing that the supply chain of new energy vehicles and traditional cars is continuing to expand outward.
However, scrutiny in Europe and the United States surrounding China’s electric vehicles, subsidies and supply chain security is also increasing, which has created certain headwinds for subsequent growth in auto exports.
China’s trade surplus in May reached US$10.543 billion, up from US$84.8 billion in April.
Strong exports have helped China’s economy offset some of the weak domestic demand and real estate pressure, but it has also heightened outside concerns about industrial excess and trade imbalances.
If artificial intelligence-related demand continues to expand, China’s foreign trade may still be supported; but if overseas inventories fall, energy prices fluctuate, or trade restrictions escalate, export momentum will also face tests.
Overall, China’s good export performance in May benefited from many factors, especially the driving role of artificial intelligence.
However, future foreign trade development still faces many uncertainties, and it is necessary to pay close attention to changes in the global economic situation and trade policies to ensure the continued and stable growth of China’s foreign trade.
