China’s trade surplus nears record as pressure mounts from trading partners

HONG KONG (AP) — China’s exports surged 36.3% in September from a year earlier, its customs agency said Wednesday, putting the country on track to surpass last year's record trade surplus even as pressure mounts from trading partners, including the European Union, to rebalance trade.The increase beat economists' expectations and was stronger than the 25% year-on-year growth in August. High-tech goods including semiconductors and automobiles helped fuel its rising shipments overseas.September's export growth pace was the fastest since February, according to a compilation of official data by FactSet.Imports climbed 31% in September year-on-year, also accelerating from August’s 28.2% rise. Still, China recorded a $133.5 billion trade surplus last month, widening from $119.1 billion in August.For the first nine months, China’s trade surplus reached $938.1 billion, with expectations growing that it could surpass last year’s full-year $1.2 trillion record.Strong exports have helped drive Chi