China's exports increased by 7% year-over-year in July, falling short of the expected 9.7% rise and slowing down from the 8.6% growth seen in June. Conversely, imports rose by 7.2%, exceeding the anticipated 3.5% and recovering from the previous 2.3% decline. Consequently, the trade surplus reached $84.7 billion, which, while lower than the forecasted $99 billion, was still higher than last year's $80 billion.