CHINA

First-Half Trade Surplus Hits $2.5 Billion: China had a $2.5-billion trade surplus the first half of this year, the China Daily newspaper reported. Imports totaled $33.1 billion, while exports were at $35.6 billion, the newspaper said. The United States estimates that it will have a $15-billion deficit with China this year, and has threatened to impose tariffs if China does not open its markets wider to foreign companies. The China Daily said the government anticipates importing $300 billion worth of technology, equipment and materials the next five years.