China exports decline slower than expected, weak demand keeps economy under pressure

China’s exports declined at a slower pace in August, even as the world’s second-biggest economy remains under pressure from weaker demand both domestically and abroad.

Exports for August slumped 8.8 percent from the same time last year, totaling $284.87 billion, and were slower than the 14.5 percent last month, according to customs data Thursday.

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Imports slid 7.3 percent from a year ago to $216.51 billion, but beat consensus estimates of a 9 percent decline.

China’s trade surplus contracted 13.2 percent to $68.36 billion, lower than the $80.6 billion in July.

Chinese leaders have in recent months rolled out several policy measures to shore up the economy after a post-COVID rebound fizzled earlier than expected.

China’s central banks have eased borrowing rules, relaxing borrowing rules and lowering mortgage rates for first-time home buyers as well as implementing some tax relief measures for small businesses.
However, authorities have yet to announce large-scale stimulus spending or tax cuts.

Demand for Chinese exports weakened after the Federal Reserve and central banks in Europe and Asia began raising interest rates last year to cool inflation that was at multi-decade highs.

Exports to the US fell 17.4 percent from a year earlier to $45.03 billion, while imports of US goods slid 4.9 percent to $11.98 billion.

China’s imports from Russia, mostly oil and gas, increased 13.3 percent from a year ago to $11.52 billion.

Chinese purchases of Russian energy have swelled, helping to offset revenue lost to Western sanctions imposed to punish the Kremlin for its invasion of Ukraine.

Exports to the European Union tumbled 10.5 percent from the same time last year to $41.29 billion, while imports of European goods declined 2.5 percent to $24.56 billion.

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