AI demand drives China’s export growth as crude oil imports hit an eight-year low

China’s exports and imports rose faster than expected in May, extending a trade rebound that economists say has been powered in part by strong global demand for artificial intelligence hardware, according to Bloomberg Economics. The gains came even as regional conflict disrupted shipping and energy flows, underscoring how Chinese trade is being reshaped by both technology demand and war-related supply shocks.

Bloomberg reported that the surge in exports topped forecasts, with AI-related hardware helping offset the impact of the war in Iran on trade routes and market conditions. The strength in imports also suggests that Chinese companies are still sourcing components and materials aggressively, even amid broader uncertainty in global logistics.