Beijing, 27 April 2026 – China’s artificial intelligence boom is reshaping the country’s trade outlook, prompting economists to reassess growth forecasts as demand for high-end chips and technology components drives a sharp rebound in imports.

Economists polled expect China’s imports to rise by 5% in 2026, which would mark the strongest increase in five years. The latest estimate is more than double the forecast made in March and would follow four years of stagnation and decline, signalling that China’s AI investment cycle may be starting to alter the structure of its economic recovery.

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Author

Rebecca Hsu
Rebecca Hsu is a Senior Economist and Lead Analyst for The Ledger Asia, focusing on the rapidly evolving financial landscapes of East and Southeast Asia. With a background in sovereign risk assessment and emerging market trends, Rebecca provides sharp commentary on trade dynamics, monetary policy, and the digital economy's impact on regional growth.
Formerly a strategic advisor for major financial institutions in Hong Kong, she excels at translating complex macroeconomic shifts into actionable insights for investors and policymakers. Her work at The Ledger Asia centers on China’s economic transition and the burgeoning manufacturing hubs of ASEAN, ensuring readers stay ahead of Asia’s shifting financial tides.