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M. Continuo

China September exports, imports beat forecasts


    BEIJING (Reuters) - China's exports rose more than expected in September while imports unexpectedly improved, data showed on Monday, bringing the trade surplus to $31 billion.

    Exports rose 15.3 percent in September compared with a year ago, the General Administration of Customs said, beating a median forecast in a Reuters poll for a rise of 11.8 percent.

    Imports rose 7 percent in terms of value, compared to a Reuters estimate for a 2.7 percent fall.

    That led to a trader surplus of $31 billion, lagging forecasts for a surplus of $41 billion.

    China's economy, the world's second largest, has had a bumpy ride this year. Activity has been dampened by unsteady exports and a slowdown in domestic demand that has been compounded by a cooling housing market.

    As a result, authorities have repeatedly warned that China may miss its target to grow its trade sector by 7.5 percent this year.

    (Reporting by Shao Xiaoyi, Judy Hua and Koh Gui Qing; Editing by Kim Coghill)