China’s July exports, imports rise, but growth slows

By JOE McDONALD
AP Business Writer

BEIJING (AP) — China’s trade rose by double digits in July but growth slowed, as global efforts to control the coronavirus’ more contagious delta variant weighed on business and consumer spending. Customs data show exports rose 18.9% over a year earlier to $282.7 billion, decelerating from June’s 32.2%. Imports rose 28.7% to $227.1 billion, easing off the previous month’s 36.7% expansion. This year’s trade growth has been amplified by comparison with early 2020, when China and other governments shut factories and shops to fight the pandemic. Forecasters have warned growth would level off as global consumer spending returned to normal.