Growth was supported by a surge of exports from Chinese manufacturers, as customers and producers alike took advantage of the U.S.-China trade war ceasefire.

Companies redirected exports through other countries to avoid U.S. tariffs and policymakers turned up investment in manufacturing and infrastructure.

China’s economy grew at a slower clip in the second quarter, as trade tensions with the U.S. rattled an economy already mired in deflation and a years-long housing downturn, raising pressure on Beijing to step up stimulus to underpin growth.