MNI DATA IMPACT: China Sept Trade Weakens as Economy Slows

     BEIJING (MNI) - China's exports dropped further in September amid trade

conflicts with the U.S. and slowing global economy, while imports also plunged,

suggesting lackluster domestic spending. 

     Here are the key points in the release by the General Administration of

Customs on Monday:

     - Exports fell 3.2% y/y to $218.12 billion, the steepest y/y drop in seven

month and faster than 1.0% y/y drop in August. Exports in the first nine months

contracted 0.1% from last year.

     - Imports dropped 8.5% y/y to $178.47 billion following 5.6% y/y fall in

August. Imports in Jan-Sept period were down 5.0% y/y.

     - Trade surplus expanded to $39.65 billion from $34.83 billion in the

previous month, rounding the year-to-date total to $298.43 billion.

- Exports to the U.S. fell 21.9% y/y following 16.0% drop in August, while

imports were down 15.7%, recovering from last month's 22.4% y/y drop. Exports to

the EU slowed to 0.1% y/y gain compared with 3.2% gain in August. Imports from

the EU were down 6.5% y/y, following 5.2% y/y drop in August. 

--MNI Beijing Bureau; tel: +86 (10) 8532-5998; email: flora.guo@marketnews.com

--MNI Beijing Bureau; +86 10 8532 5998; email: william.bi@mni-news.com

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