BEIJING (AP) — China’s politically sensitive trade surplus soared to a record $75.4 billion in November as exports surged 21.1% over a year earlier, propelled by American consumer demand. Exports to the United States rose 46% despite lingering tariff hikes in a trade war with Washington, customs data showed Monday. Total exports rose to $268 billion, accelerating from October’s 11.4% growth. Imports gained 5% to $192.6 billion, up from the previous month’s 4.7%. Chinese exporters have benefited from the economy’s relatively early reopening after the Communist Party declared the coronavirus pandemic under control in March while foreign competitors still are hampered by anti-disease controls. “Exports were much stronger than expected in November,” said Julian Evans-Pritchard of Capital Economics in a report. Forecasters say that surge is unlikely to last into 2021 once coronavirus vaccines are rolled out. “We expect export performance to be less impressive,” said Louis Kuijs of […]