Workers at a container port in Qingdao, in eastern China's Shandong province, on Dec. 7.The Associated Press
China’s exports rose by double digits in November but growth declined, while imports accelerated in a sign of stronger domestic demand.
Exports rose 21.4 per cent more than a year earlier to US$325.5-billion, decelerating from October’s 27.1-per-cent growth, customs data showed Tuesday. Imports surged 31.7 per cent to US$253.8-billion, up from the previous month’s 20.6-per-cent rate.
China’s exports have been boosted by foreign demand at a time when other global competitors are hampered by anti-coronavirus controls.
Stronger imports suggest consumer and other demand is rebounding after a dip brought on by a government crackdown on debt in the real estate industry. Economic growth sank to an unexpectedly low 4.9 per cent more than a year earlier in the three months ending in September.
Factory activity also was hampered by power shortages that started in September and the global shortage of semi-conductors used in products from cars to smartphones. An earlier survey of manufacturers showed activity rebounded in November as power supplies returned to normal.
“Exports and imports beat expectations last month thanks to stronger demand and easing semi-conductor shortages,” Julian Evans-Pritchard of Capital Economics said in a report.
“In the near-term, the emergence of the Omicron variant is likely to support demand for China’s exports,” Mr. Evans-Pritchard said. “But its impact further ahead is still uncertain.”
China’s global trade surplus fell 4.9 per cent from a year earlier to US$71.7-billion. That was smaller than October’s record US$84.5-billion but still among the highest ever.
Exports to the United States rose 5.3 per cent more than a year earlier to US$54.7-billion despite lingering tariff hikes in a dispute over Beijing’s technology ambitions and trade surplus.
Imports of American goods surged 22 per cent to US$17.8-billion, but China recorded a US$37-billion surplus.
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