China's stronger exports in May cushion slowdown

[BEIJING] China's exports rose more than analysts estimated last month, helping to cushion a slowdown in the world's second-biggest economy as an unexpected slump in imports highlights the risks to growth.

Overseas shipments gained 7 per cent from a year earlier, the Beijing-based customs administration said yesterday. Imports fell 1.6 per cent. The trade surplus widened to US$35.92 billion.

Stronger exports may bolster Chinese leaders' confidence that a recovery in demand from the US and Europe will support economic growth and reduce pressure on the government to counter domestic weakness with stronger stimulus as the property market slumps. The European Central Bank's unprecedented easing last week is a welcome step for China that should help export growth, World Bank economist Karlis Smits said on Friday.