China exports up 28% in September; surplus with US grows

BEIJING (AP) — China has reported its imports slowed in September while exports grew at a slightly faster pace. Customs data released Wednesday showed the country’s trade surplus pushing higher on sustained demand in the U.S. and Asia. Exports rose 28.1% to $305.7 billion. That was faster than the 26% increase logged in August. Imports rose 17.6% to $240 billion, slowing from a 33% jump the month before. Officials said shipping and other supply bottlenecks are still disrupting trade after last year’s pandemic downturn. Economists have forecast that surging global demand for Chinese goods will level off as anti-disease controls ease and entertainment, travel and other service industries reopen.