China experienced a significant boost in exports, driven by a 19.4% increase in May compared to the previous year, outperforming expectations and the previous month's 14.1% rise. This growth is largely attributed to the global demand for artificial intelligence, which is supporting the nation's economy despite geopolitical tensions such as the war in Iran.

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https://www.wsj.com/economy/trade/chinas-exports-gain-momentum-import-growth-picks-up-9aa650bb

China’s Strength in Semiconductors, Rare Earths Drives Export Surge

Global AI boom has provided a powerful tailwind for Chinese exports

Jonathan Cheng

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Gantry cranes illuminated at night near stacked shipping containers at Yangshan Port. Chinese exports surged 19.4% from a year earlier. Go Nakamura/Reuters

BEIJING—The worldwide surge in demand for artificial intelligence is driving a wave of exports from China, keeping the world’s second-largest economy humming despite turmoil from the war in Iran.

China’s export growth surged 19.4% in May from a year earlier in dollar terms, according to data released Tuesday by Beijing’s General Administration of Customs. The result exceeded the 14.1% year-over-year increase seen in April, and surprised economists who had expected the growth rate to slow.