China exports fell sharply in September

China’s exports tumbled in September, as global demand for its goods remained sluggish.

The fall in China’s exports was worse than forecast. Pic: AFP

China’s exports fell sharply in dollar terms in September from a year earlier, as global demand for goods from the world’s second-largest economy remained sluggish.

Exports tumbled 10.0 per cent from a year earlier, following a decline of 2.8 per cent in August, the General Administration of Customs said.

The figures indicate that China’s overseas shipments, once an important generator of growth, are continuing to weigh on its overall economic performance.

September’s figure mark the sixth-straight month that exports have softened. It was much worse than a median forecast for a 3.2 per cent decline from a poll of 16 economists by The Wall Street Journal.

Imports in September declined 1.9 per cent from a year earlier, reversing a 1.5 per cent increase in August. The decrease contrasts with the poll’s median forecast for a 1.0 per cent gain.

China’s trade surplus narrowed in September to $US41.99 billion from $US52.05 billion the previous month, falling short of forecast for a $US52.30 billion surplus.

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