|

NZD/USD remains stronger around 0.5900 as China’s Trade Surplus expands in August

  • NZD/USD maintains its position following the release of China’s Trade balance data on Monday.
  • China’s Trade Balance increased to CNY 732.7 billion in August, compared to CNY 705.18 billion in the prior month.
  • Softer-than-expected August US jobs data strengthened expectations of Fed rate cuts.

NZD/USD holds ground around 0.5900 during the Asian hours on Monday, following China’s Trade Balance data, which rose to CNY 732.7 billion in August, up from CNY 705.18 billion previously. Exports rose 4.8% year-over-year in August, against 8% in July. Meanwhile, imports advanced 1.7% YoY against 4.8% recorded prior.

In US Dollar (USD) terms, China’s Trade Surplus expanded more than expected in August. Trade Balance arrived at +102.33B against +99.2B expected and +98.24B prior. Exports YoY grew 4.4% against 5% expected and 7.2% last. The annual imports rose 1.3% against 3% expected and 4.1% previous. It is worth noting that any change in the Chinese economy could impact the NZD as New Zealand and China are close trading partners.

Additionally, the NZD/USD pair appreciates as the US Dollar (USD) faces challenges amid rising United States (US) Federal Reserve (Fed) rate cut bets, following weaker-than-expected jobs data for August.

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported on Friday that the US Nonfarm Payrolls (NFP) rose by 22,000 in August, falling short of the market expectations of 75,000. This figure followed the 79,000 increase (revised from 73,000) recorded in July. Meanwhile, the Unemployment Rate increased to 4.3% August, as expected, against the 4.2% prior.

The CME FedWatch tool indicates a pricing in 92% of a 25-basis-point (bps) rate cut by the Fed at the September policy meeting, up from 86% a week ago, with bets rising on a potential 50 bps reduction this month.

Economic Indicator

Trade Balance CNY

The Trade Balance released by the General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China is a balance between exports and imports of total goods and services. A positive value shows trade surplus, while a negative value shows trade deficit. It is an event that generates some volatility for the CNY. As the Chinese economy has influence on the global economy, this economic indicator would have an impact on the Forex market. In general, a high reading is seen as positive (or bullish) CNY, while a low reading is seen as negative (or bearish) for the CNY.

Read more.

Last release: Mon Sep 08, 2025 03:00

Frequency: Monthly

Actual: 732.7B

Consensus: -

Previous: 705.1B

Source: National Bureau of Statistics of China

Author

Akhtar Faruqui

Akhtar Faruqui is a Forex Analyst based in New Delhi, India. With a keen eye for market trends and a passion for dissecting complex financial dynamics, he is dedicated to delivering accurate and insightful Forex news and analysis.

More from Akhtar Faruqui
Share:

Markets move fast. We move first.

Orange Juice Newsletter brings you expert driven insights - not headlines. Every day on your inbox.

By subscribing you agree to our Terms and conditions.

Editor's Picks

EUR/USD recovers to 1.1750 region as 2025 draws to a close

Following the bearish action seen in the European session on Wednesday, EUR/USD regains its traction and recovery to the 1.1750 region. Nevertheless, the pair's volatility remains low as trading conditions thin out on the last day of the year.

GBP/USD stays weak near 1.3450 on modest USD recovery

GBP/USD remains under modest beairsh pressure and fluctuates at around 1.3450 on Wednesday. The US Dollar finds fresh demand due to the end-of-the-year position adjustments, weighing on the pair amid the pre-New Year trading lull. 

Gold retreats to $4,300 area, looks to post monthly gains

Gold stays on the back foot on the last day of 2025 and trades near $4,300, possibly pressured by profit-taking and position adjustments. Nevertheless, XAU/USD remains on track to post gains for December and extend its winning streak into a fifth consecutive month.

Bitcoin, Ethereum and XRP prepare for a potential New Year rebound

Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Ripple are holding steady on Wednesday after recording minor gains on the previous day. Technically, Bitcoin could extend gains within a triangle pattern while Ethereum and Ripple face critical overhead resistance. 

Economic outlook 2026-2027 in advanced countries: Solidity test

After a year marked by global economic resilience and ending on a note of optimism, 2026 looks promising and could be a year of solid economic performance. In our baseline scenario, we expect most of the supportive factors at work in 2025 to continue to play a role in 2026.

Crypto market outlook for 2026

Year 2025 was volatile, as crypto often is.  Among positive catalysts were favourable regulatory changes in the U.S., rise of Digital Asset Treasuries (DAT), adoption of AI and tokenization of Real-World-Assets (RWA).