0717 gmt  metals prices are inching higher after china saw better than expected export figures for july threemonth copper is up 05 to 7928 a metric ton while aluminum is up 06 to 743550 a ton gold meanwhile is flat at 179060 a troy ounce chinas exports and trade surplus both beat expectations with the former 18 higher in dollar terms and the trade surplus hitting 1013 billion in july stephen innes managing partner at spi asset management says in an email that chinas trade figures eases some concerns over falling global demand weighed down by rising prices and higher interest rates however innes adds that manufacturing data still remains weak weighing on commodity prices for now yusufkhanwsjcom