China exports up 11.5pc in March, experts expect 6.7pc quarterly rise
CHINA's exports increased most of the year and import declines narrowed, providing evidence that the economy was stabilising, Bloomberg reported.
Exports rose 11.5 per cent in dollar terms in March year on year, compared with a 25 per cent slump in February, when factories and offices were closed for a week-long holiday.
But imports continued to fall, now a 17-month trend marking a 7.6 per cent drop.
The export rebound suggests China has done better than forecasted, with data due today expected to show 6.7 per cent growth.
The increase in shipments may indicate more than seasonal factors and could show a pick up in demand, said Iris Pang, a greater China economist at Natixis SA in Hong Kong.
"This is quite encouraging," said Ms Pang.
Still, it's too soon to say the worst is over for exporters, and "we need more evidence to confirm that the whole manufacturing sector is on track again".
The Shanghai Composite Index advanced 1.4 per cent to close at a three-month high, paring this year's decline to 13 per cent. Shares also gained from Hong Kong to Tokyo.
"The steep decline in trade is coming to an end, but whether such a recovery can be sustained is still questionable," said Liu Dongliang, analyst at China Merchants Bank in Shanghai.
CHINA's exports increased most of the year and import declines narrowed, providing evidence that the economy was stabilising, Bloomberg reported.
Exports rose 11.5 per cent in dollar terms in March year on year, compared with a 25 per cent slump in February, when factories and offices were closed for a week-long holiday.
But imports continued to fall, now a 17-month trend marking a 7.6 per cent drop.
The export rebound suggests China has done better than forecasted, with data due today expected to show 6.7 per cent growth.
The increase in shipments may indicate more than seasonal factors and could show a pick up in demand, said Iris Pang, a greater China economist at Natixis SA in Hong Kong.
"This is quite encouraging," said Ms Pang.
Still, it's too soon to say the worst is over for exporters, and "we need more evidence to confirm that the whole manufacturing sector is on track again".
The Shanghai Composite Index advanced 1.4 per cent to close at a three-month high, paring this year's decline to 13 per cent. Shares also gained from Hong Kong to Tokyo.
"The steep decline in trade is coming to an end, but whether such a recovery can be sustained is still questionable," said Liu Dongliang, analyst at China Merchants Bank in Shanghai.