Chinese exports rebounded in April but the country’s services sector remained sluggish, hinting at the challenge facing the world’s second-largest economy as it tries to recover after the coronavirus lockdown.
Exports rose 8.2 per cent in April year on year, following a 3.5 per cent decline in March and a 15.8 per cent plunge in the first two months of the year, according to data released by China’s customs administration.
The recovery was driven by stronger demand from south-east Asia, a region that is one of China’s biggest trading partners, where markets are gradually reopening as the pandemic shows signs of easing. The region reported a 3.9 per cent increase in purchases in the first four months of this year, according to customs data.