AI microdramas are a test case for China’s next big export wave

While China's significant goods trade surplus has drawn international scrutiny and led to trade barriers for products like electric vehicles and solar panels, a less visible but growing trend is emerging in services exports. In the first seven months of 2026, China's services exports increased by 17.1% year-on-year. Notably, exports of personal cultural and entertainment services experienced a surge. This shift suggests that China may be poised to export services, potentially including AI microdramas, as a new significant category of trade.