BANGKOK (AP) — China’s exports slowed slightly in July from the month before but still were higher than forecast thanks to strong demand for high-tech electronics and vehicles. Customs data released Friday showed China’s trade surplus narrowed to $112.5 billion from $125.6 billion in June. The Iran war interfered with shipments of aluminum from the Middle East, leading to an increase in Chinese exports of the metal, he noted. China’s exports of high-tech items surged nearly 41% in January-July from the same period the year before, while shipments of vehicles, many of them electric, jumped 55%. China’s exports of strategically vital rare earths fell 10% by volume in January-July, but they jumped 58% in value.