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.