Mainland exports and imports are likely to improve further due to recovering demand from Europe and the US, but the extent of the rebound remains uncertain, with analysts having a tough time making accurate predictions about the trade situation.
Export and imports both unexpectedly slumped in March thanks to a high comparison base caused by rampant over-invoicing a year earlier. But exports gained 0.9% year on year in April to USD188.5B, reversing a 6.6% decline in March and an 18% fall in February, the customs administration said yesterday. The result beat market expectations of a decline in exports of about 3%. Imports climbed 0.8% year on year last month, helped by robust demand for commodities including crude oil and copper, after falling 11.3% in March.
~ SCMP, May 10, 2014 ~