China’s exports rose 25% year on year in August, up from 23.9% in July, while imports increased 28.2% and the monthly trade surplus widened to $119.1 billion. Strong demand for high-tech goods, AI-related products and cars is supporting the world’s second-largest economy as domestic consumption, investment and property remain weak. However, greater dependence on overseas demand and a larger surplus may invite further trade restrictions from the US and Europe, particularly ahead of planned US-China talks. Markets barely moved after the data, with the yuan flat and Chinese shares slightly higher.