China's Economy Accelerates to 4.5% Growth on Export Surge

China's economy has picked up pace, growing 4.5% as roaring exports and an AI boom lift activity, according to figures published today. The stronger-than-expected expansion marks an acceleration in Chinese growth, driven by external demand as exports surged, with demand linked to artificial intelligence helping to boost shipments abroad.

The reading matters for investors because China's export engine is a key transmission channel into global trade flows and commodity markets. Faster Chinese growth can support demand for industrial commodities and shape trade balances across major economies, while the export-led nature of the pickup underscores how external demand, rather than domestic consumption, is doing much of the work. That composition will be closely scrutinised by investors assessing whether the momentum is durable.

In a separate development, violent protests in France are putting pressure on the euro and government bonds, adding a note of caution to the broader market backdrop as investors digest the Chinese data. Attention now turns to whether the export and AI-driven momentum can be sustained in coming quarters, and to how policymakers in Beijing respond to the growth mix. Traders will also watch commodity markets for confirmation that stronger Chinese activity is translating into firmer demand.