China exports post surprise jump despite power crunch

[superadmin]

BEIJING – China's exports rose unexpectedly in September, official data showed today, despite fears that a recent power crunch in the country might hamper production.

The followed a sharp jump in trade in the world's second largest economy in August, suggesting that overseas demand for consumer goods had surged as a domestic virus outbreak was brought to heel.

But last month, many factories were forced to halt operations owing to power outages caused by emission reduction targets, the surging price of coal, and supply shortages – raising concern about global supply chains.

Yet, exports rose a better-than-expected 28.1% on-year in September, according to customs authorities – up from 25.6% in August.

However, imports missed predictions and rose 17.6%, just over half as much as the previous month's increase.

“The external environment has become more complex and severe, and our country's foreign trade development still faces many unstable and uncertain factors,” customs spokesman Li Kuiwen told reporters today.


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