China's export growth rebounds sharply, defying geopolitical headwinds and shipping disruptions caused by Middle East tensions.

China's export growth rebounds sharply, defying geopolitical headwinds and shipping disruptions caused by Middle East tensions. April exports surged 14.1% year-over-year, significantly exceeding economist forecasts of 8.4% and reversing March's modest 2.5% gain. Imports climbed 25.3%, driven by surging demand for high-tech products including semiconductors, as artificial intelligence investment boom fuels global trade. China posted an $84.82 billion trade surplus, though March saw the smallest surplus in over a year amid geopolitical uncertainty. The resilience reflects Chinese manufacturers' strategic diversification to African and European markets, reducing reliance on US trade. Shipping volumes remain elevated despite the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, sustained by robust global demand for data center and power equipment infrastructure.