China reports record trade surplus amid tech growth and US trade discussions

China has reported a record trade surplus of $805 million during the first eight months of the year. In August, Chinese exports rose by 25% year-on-year, driven largely by technological products benefiting from global artificial intelligence infrastructure growth. Imports increased by 28.2%, influenced by rising prices, particularly for semiconductors.

As tensions persist, a meeting between Chinese leadership and US officials is expected to discuss the potential extension of the current trade truce, which is set to expire in November. While the US seeks a reduction in China's trade surplus through increased domestic demand and reduced subsidies, Beijing is calling for the removal of export controls on high-tech goods, specifically chips.

In the agricultural sector, the Chinese dairy market presents significant opportunities for international producers. While China's domestic liquid milk production is declining, consumption remains high, creating a need for imports. Greek dairy products have seen varied performance; while cheese and whey exports to China reached specific values in 2025, there remains significant potential for Greek premium brands like feta and strained yogurt to expand their presence in the growing Chinese yogurt market.