China’s Exports Rise by 9.4% But Worries About Imports Surge

China’s latest export numbers rose by 9.4% in August from a year earlier, beating forecasts of about 8% growth.

The official data showed imports dropped by 2.4% from the year before, though, which left the country with a record surplus of $49.8bn (30.7bn).

The unexpected dip in imports was seen by economists as a sign of ongoing weak domestic demand on the mainland.

There was particular weakness seen in corporate investment and real estate for the period.

And while the rise in exports was more than expected, it compares with a rise of 14.5% in July.

China’s government has been trying to boost domestic demand while economic growth in the world’s second-largest economy slows down.

But it’s been struggling this year, with growth slowing to 7.4% between January and March, an 18-month low.

The mainland’s economy recovered slightly in the three months to June to expand by 7.5%.

via BBC