China economic performance and manufacturing sector trends

China factory activity contracts in July, missing forecasts

The 10% broad-based U.S. duty on Chinese goods expired.

The 10% broad-based U.S. duty on Chinese goods expired on July 24.

Following the expiration of this duty, manufacturers had braced for additional levies stemming from Section 301 probes conducted by U.S. President Donald Trump.

China's overall exports surged 27% in June.

In June, China's overall exports rose by 27%, marking the fastest growth pace in nearly five years. This surge was driven by a 14% increase in shipments to the United States.

The spike in exports occurred as businesses moved to frontload orders in anticipation of higher American tariffs expected later in the summer.

China's economy expanded 4.3% in the second quarter from a year earlier.

During the second quarter, China's economy expanded by 4.3% compared to the previous year. This growth rate represented the slowest pace seen in more than three years and fell below the lower threshold of the full-year target of 4.5% to 5%.

The economic expansion in the second quarter had previously been supported by an export rush, though reports indicated this trend began to unwind in July.