China Imports Hit Record High in June 2026

China’s June imports surged to a record high, rising 36.0% year on year to USD 286.76 billion, well above expectations and the fastest pace since June 2021. The increase was driven by stronger demand for chips, AI-related hardware, and a range of industrial and commodity inputs, while crude oil imports fell sharply amid geopolitical disruption and weaker refinery activity.

The strongest support came from manufacturing-linked and technology-related trade, reflecting continued regional demand across Asia. Natural gas, coal, copper, iron ore, and soybeans all posted gains, but crude oil purchases plunged 41% to the lowest level since October 2016. Overall, the data point to a powerful but uneven import rebound, with industrial and technology demand offsetting weakness in energy flows.

For the first half of 2026, imports rose 26.6% to USD 1.55 trillion, suggesting that the June jump was part of a broader trend rather than a one-off spike. The composition of the growth indicates that China’s trade remains closely tied to global AI investment, supply-chain normalization, and shifting commodity conditions.