Chinese state firm employee Zhang Jinming makes up for a 24% cut to his salary by delivering food for three hours every night after work and on weekends - and hopes he can avoid awkward encounters with colleagues.

The rate, which slightly exceeded the 5.1 per cent average estimate from analysts polled by Reuters, positions Beijing to hit its full-year target of about 5 per cent. It shows how China has been able to keep growth on track through exports and investment even as it struggles with weak demand at home.

China's trade surplus surged in June, which analysts have attributed to exporters rushing to ship products before U.S. tariffs recommence.

American companies in China are reporting record-low investment plans and declining confidence in profits this year.

The new restrictions will limit exports of technologies crucial for producing EV batteries and processing their raw materials.

China racked up record steel exports in the second quarter, as flows from the world’s top producer defied expectations for volumes to fade under a barrage of trade measures from Asia to Europe.

China has reported its exports accelerated in June as a reprieve on U.S. tariffs prompted a rush of orders by companies and consumers.

China's exports beat expectations in June as businesses continued to rush out shipments to capitalize on a temporary tariff reprieve ahead of an August deadline.Exports jumped 5.8% in June in U.S. dollar terms from a year earlier,