China’s exports rebound in April in boost for economy

China’s exports rebound in April in boost for economy

China’s exports rose slightly more than expected in April in a boost for the economy.

Exports increased 1.5% in dollar terms from a year earlier, reversing a drop in March, while imports climbed 8.4%, the customs administration said Thursday. That left a trade surplus of $72.4 billion for the month. Economists had forecast that exports would rise by 1.3% while imports would climb by 4.7%.

The data confirms signs that global demand is strengthening and will also provide a boost to domestic growth. Beijing is relying on strong sales abroad to offset weak consumer spending at home, where a real estate slump has led households to tighten their belts.

Other Asian trading nations also saw overseas sales climb last month on strong US demand. South Korean exports rose almost 14%, while Taiwan reported a record level of shipments to the US.