China's exports beat expectations in June as businesses continued to rush out shipments to capitalize on a temporary tariff reprieve ahead of an August deadline.Exports jumped 5.8% in June in U.S. dollar terms from a year earlier,

External demand continues to support Chinese economic growth, as the first-half trade surplus surged to a new high of $586bn.

Housing market data added to Beijing’s challenge to meet the 5% GDP growth target for 2025. China’s House Price Index fell 3.2% year-on-year in June after dropping 3.5% in May. While the year-on-year trend signaled an improving housing market, other housing sector data painted a gloomier picture.

China's export growth likely edged higher in June, buoyed by exporters rushing to front-load shipments on fears that a fragile trade truce with the United States could unravel and see President Donald Trump reinstate extra tariffs on Chinese goods.

Why have the data released this week surprised global analysts for the second time in two quarters? What domestic and external challenges does China’s economy face, and how has it managed them?

China’s export growth accelerated for the first time since March, driven by a reduction in US tariffs and robust demand from key overseas markets.

Chinese state firm employee Zhang Jinming makes up for a 24% cut to his salary by delivering food for three hours every night after work and on weekends - and hopes he can avoid awkward encounters with colleagues.

The world’s second-largest economy has powered ahead despite a 24% slump in shipments to the U.S. in the second quarter.