China’s trade surplus with US hits record $31 billion

BEIJING – China’s trade surplus with the United States widened to a record $31 billion in August as exports surged despite American tariff hikes, potentially adding fuel to President Donald Trump’s battle with Beijing over industrial policy.

Customs data showed exports to the United States rose 13.4 per cent to $44.4 billion, ticking up from July’s 13.3 per cent growth. Imports of U.S. goods rose 11.1 per cent to $13.3 billion, decelerating from the previous month’s 11.8 per cent.

That could help reignite U.S. demands that Beijing narrow its trade gap, which has temporarily been overshadowed by their clash over complaints China steals or pressures foreign companies to hand over technology.