SHANGHAI, Feb 4 (Reuters) - Booming exports are pushing up China's currency and while analysts think authorities will resist further gains, risks are to the upside and could test the country's fragile economy. As the yuan exchange rate tiptoed toward and then passed the strong side of 7-per-dollar last year, foreign currency flows into Chinese banks hit a record $452 billion in ​December. The amount converted to yuan also hit a record of $311 billion, figures from the State Administration of Foreign Ex ...

Core Insights - Chinese banks facilitated the offloading of foreign currencies at the highest rate since 2020, with a net sale of $51.8 billion in September, indicating growing optimism for yuan appreciation [1][2][3] Group 1: Currency Conversion and Trade - The data reflects a bullish sentiment towards the yuan, as it reached its strongest level since November, with increased foreign exchange conversions by local exporters potentially supporting the yuan amid trade tensions with the US [2][3] - There was a notable increase in currency conversions related to goods trade, driven by robust export growth in September, which helped counterbalance outflows from securities investments [3][4] Group 2: Future Expectations and Policy Influence - Analysts predict that if the yuan continues to strengthen towards 7.00, Chinese exporters may convert hundreds of billions of dollars to the yuan, with the onshore yuan trading around 7.12 per dollar [4][5] - The People's Bank of China (PBOC) is promoting yuan strength by setting a stronger daily reference rate, which could lead to increased exporter conversion ratios and further yuan appreciation for the remainder of the year [5]