FX.co ★ China Imports Rise More than Expected

China’s imports surged 27.4% year-on-year to USD 271.35 billion in May 2026, up from 25.3% growth in April and exceeding market expectations of a 25% increase. This marked the 12th consecutive month of import expansion, underpinned by robust domestic demand despite mounting inflationary pressures stemming from supply chain disruptions and elevated energy prices. Over the first six months of the year, imports rose 24.5% to USD 1,261.69 billion, supported by stronger demand from ASEAN (21.0%), the EU (8.6%), Japan (27.8%), Hong Kong (173.2%), and South Korea (56.5%), while purchases from the U.S. declined by 5.5%.