China's exports top forecasts, but imports fall short of expectations

China's exports grew at their fastest pace in nearly 1/2 years in August, suggesting manufacturers are rushing out orders ahead of tariffs expected from a growing number of trade partners, while imports missed forecasts amid weak domestic demand.

- 

Outbound shipments from the world's secondlargest economy grew 8.7 per cent year on year in value in August, Customs data showed on Sept 10, beating a forecast of a 6.5 per cent rise in a Reuters poll of economists and a gain of 7 per cent in July.

But imports increased by just 0.5 per cent, missing expectations for a 2 per cent boost and down from the 7.2 per cent growth a month prior.

The data showed exports remain a bright spot and a key driver for the world's second-largest economy, which has struggled to regain momentum as a prolonged property slump and a sluggish labour market have severely dented consumer confidence.