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

“Trump is trying to divide and scare Europe, but if we raise our heads now, there will be division in the American camp, even among his most important supporters, because many companies in key electoral districts would be damaged by our response,” Benifei said in the interview.

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.