New Chinese Trade Data Reveals Growing Importance of Global South Amid Mounting Tensions With U.S., EU

Cranes load and unload shipping containers at a port in Lianyungang, in eastern China's Jiangsu province on July 12, 2024. AFP

China registered a record $99 billion trade surplus in June, adding to concerns that Beijing is leaning on exports to try and pull itself out of an economic slump.

While the flood of low-cost Chinese-made products is good news for consumers, particularly in developing countries where disposable income is more restricted, it’s problematic for producers who now have to compete with goods often priced below market rates.

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