BEIJING—China’s imports surged in July as it moved to shore up its economy and prepared for a long-term trade battle with the U.S.
Beijing has asked banks and local governments to stimulate rail and other infrastructure projects in the wake of slowing economic-growth momentum. The leadership is gearing up for future tariffs that could hit China’s economy harder down the road, economists say.
Boosted by a strong appetite for commodities, China’s imports were up 27.3% in July from a year earlier, the General Administration of Customs said Wednesday, accelerating from a 14.1% increase the previous month. Economists polled by The Wall Street Journal had expected a 15.3% gain.