China's Surplus Soars to $26.9B

Weak dollar, stronger world economies fuel rise in US exports

(NEWSER) - The US trade gap—the difference in total value between imports and exports—dropped to a 3-year low in July as exports jumped on a weak dollar and growing overseas demand. The figure fell 0.3% to $59.2 billion, roughly on par with the estimate economists surveyed by Bloomberg foresaw. Said one analyst, “the broad outlook for trade looks quite positive.” More»

(NEWSER) - The Chinese government is threatening to crash the American dollar by liquidating its $1.33 trillion in foreign reserves if the US dares impose trade sanctions to force a revaluation of yuan, reports the Telegraph. Two Communist Party officials have given interviews in recent days with stern warnings directed at the US that China is prepared to engage in an economic "nuclear option." More»

Bill would place tariff on countries that depress their currencies

(NEWSER) - A senior Chinese official warned today that the US is in for a “trade war” if it enacts a Senate bill that would punish China for artificially keeping its currency low. The bill “in no way represents the reality of the economic and trade relationship between China and the US,” a Chinese foreign minister tells Reuters . “The only result would be a trade war … that would be a lose-lose situation for both sides." More»

Rebound to spur calls for currency revaluation

(NEWSER) - China's exports rose 17.7% in December, ending a 13-month drop in trade and stealing the title of 'world's largest exporter' from Germany. The year-on-year surge is seen as a sign that China's hard-hit manufacturers have made it through the financial storm. But it's not all good news for China, as the rebound is sure to reopen the debate over the country's currency. More»

Currency move may be concession to US—or attempt to pop a stock market bubble

(NEWSER) - Just days before a meeting with US Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson, China is taking baby steps toward letting its currency trade more freely. The government also raised interest rates and the reserve on bank loans today, signaling concern over the country's red-hot economy. China's trade surplus—which some American politicos say the undervalued yuan fuels—rose 74% last year. More»