China's import, export growth jump in September

[Beijing] China's exports rose more than expected in September while imports unexpectedly improved, data showed on Monday, bringing the trade surplus to US$31 billion.

Exports rose 15.3 per cent 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 per cent.

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

That led to a trader surplus of US$31 billion, lagging forecasts for a surplus of US$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 per cent this year.

- REUTERS