China’s exports grew 8.1% YoY in dollar terms in April, far exceeding analyst expectations of 1.9% growth, though slower than March’s 12.4% rise. The robust performance comes despite escalating trade tensions with the U.S., where President Trump has increased tariffs on most Chinese goods to as much as 145% and threatened new levies on small-value packages. Meanwhile, imports shrank 0.2%, marking the third consecutive monthly decline. The data emerges as Washington and Beijing prepare for high-level trade talks in Geneva tomorrow.