China's imports of soybeans and crude oil rose in July from a year earlier, while those of coal and iron ore fell, customs data showed on Thursday.
China's exports topped forecasts last month, as manufacturers made the most of a fragile tariff truce between Beijing and Washington to ship goods ahead of a looming deadline later this month.
Outbound shipments from the world's second-largest economy rose 7.2% year-on-year in July, customs data showed, beating a forecast 5.4% increase in a Reuters poll and June's 5.8% growth.
Imports grew 4.1%, following a 1.1% rise in June. Economists had predicted a 1.0% fall.
KEY POINTS:
* Soybeans: July imports at 11.67 mmt, up 18.48% y/y
* Crude oil: July imports at 47.20 mmt, up 11.48% y/y
"Brazil's abundant soybean production has provided a strong supply foundation. Due to its bumper harvest, the peak supply period for Brazilian soybeans is expected to be longer than in previous years, remaining at a high level leading up to the fourth quarter."
