China is facing a wave of tariffs in developing economies aimed at countering its export boom, complicating Beijing’s quest to cultivate markets outside an increasingly hostile west. Beijing has been angered by US and EU plans to impose steeper levies on a range of products.

China’s exports unexpectedly picked up in August, providing a rare boost for an economy weighed down by deflationary pressures, though this has stoked tensions with trade partners.

Exports grew by 8.7% to $308.65 billion compared to the same period last year, yet imports rose just 0.5% year-on-year.

China's exports grew at their fastest pace in nearly 1-1/2 years in August, suggesting manufacturers are rushing out orders ahead of tariffs expected from a growing number of trade partners, while imports missed forecasts amid weak domestic demand.

China’s imports of commodities largely rose in August from the previous month as industries prepared for the peak consumption period that begins in the fall.

Chinese exports exceeded market expectations in August, rising at a faster clip despite the impact of punitive tariffs.

China's exports rose by 8.7% year-on-year in U.S. dollar terms in August, according to the customs agency. That was higher than the forecast for growth of 6.5% year-on-year in U.S. dollar terms, according to a Reuters poll.

China’s exports unexpectedly accelerated in August, reaching their highest value in nearly two years and providing a rare boost to an economy weighed down by deflationary pressures. Exports climbed nearly 9% from a year earlier to about $309 billion,