Import volumes into China fell 15.3 per cent in January year on year with exports also slipping 0.5 per cent with most blaming an earlier than usual Chinese New Year, but mostly on the weakness of European demand.

Analysts cited by London's Containerisation International say the numbers are a worry in light of China's official campaign to boost domestic demand to compensate for expected slower export volumes.

Beijing is concerned about the lingering eurodebt crisis, which is viewed as the most serious economic threat on the horizon for the export-dependent nation.