China’s August Trade Balance: Surplus widens to $119.09 billion as expected

China's Trade Balance for August, in US Dollar (USD) terms, arrives at $119.09 billion, almost in line with $119.1 billion estimates, but higher than the July reading of $112.5 billion.

Exports surge 25% year-over-year (YoY) in August, as expected, faster than the previous reading of 23.9%. The country’s imports surged 28.2% YoY in the same period, slower than expectations of 30%. In July, Imports grew by 27.5%.

In Chinese Yuan (CNY) terms, the Trade Surplus widened to 809.3 billion, more than the 795 billion estimate and the previous release of 767.07 billion. Exports (CNY) grew strongly by 18.6% compared with 17.8% in July. Imports rose 21.7%, faster than the previous reading of 21.2%.

Market reaction

The Australian Dollar (AUD) has attracted some bids near its day's low against the US Dollar (AUD) after the release of China's Trade Balance data, being a liquid proxy to Beijing's economy. As of writing, AUD/USD trades 0.15% lower to near 0.7208.