BEIJING — China’s exports grew at a slower pace in the January-February period but was better than market expectations.
Outbound shipment rose 16.3% in the first two months of 2022 from the year-earlier period, easing from 20.9% growth in December, the General Administration of Customs said Monday. The result was higher than the 15.0% increase expected by economists polled by The Wall Street Journal.
Beijing combines major economic data for the first two months of the year to help smooth distortions caused by shifts in the timing of Lunar New Year holidays.
China’s imports increased 15.5%, slower than December’s 19.5% growth but slightly higher than the 15.4% increase anticipated by economists surveyed.
The trade surplus was $115.95 billion, lower than $120.5 billion expected by the economists.
