BEIJING, Aug 7 Reuters China39;s exports grew at their slowest pace in three months in July, missing expectations and adding to concerns about the outlook for the vast manufacturing sector, while a rush to boost chip supplies before expected U.S. tech curbs bumped up imports.

Analysts say China39;s factories will likely face stiff pressure in the months ahead, hobbled by Western tariffs and demand woes while volatility in financial markets and U.S. recession fears raise fresh challenges for policymakers trying to bolster a fragile economic recovery.

Outbound shipments climbed 7.0 in July from the year earlier, customs data on Wednesday showed, a slower pace of growth than June39;s 8.6 rise and missing forecasts of a 9.7 increase.

Due to base effect, China39;s exports may keep a singledigit growth in the near future, but considering the slowing external demand and tariffs, the outbound shipments in the second half of 2024 will face bigger pressure, said Lynn Song, chief economist for Greater China at ING.

Imports rose at a robust 7.2 rate, reversing a 2.3 decline in June and marking the strongest performance in three months. It also beat analysts39; expectations of a 3.5 rise.

The brighter imports figures were underpinned by Chinese firms39; rush to purchase chips ahead of expectations of further United States curbs on chips exports to the Asian giant, said Xing Zhaopeng, senior China strategist at ANZ.

Looking ahead, the upward trade cycle may have ended. Both…