China's January exports up 7.9%, imports jump 16.7%

Beijing

CHINESE exports surged more than forecast in January, data showed on Friday, in a fresh sign of improvement in the world's No 2 economy as leaders prepare for possible trade stand-offs with US President Donald Trump.

The strong figures come as Beijing looks to position itself as leader of the global trade regime in anticipation of a US retreat under a protectionist Trump administration.

Officials at the Customs bureau said overseas shipments jumped 7.9 per cent on-year to US$182.8 billion, easily outstripping the 3.2 per …