China's exports rebounded from a slump in March and sales to the United States rose strongly despite President Donald Trump's tariff hikes.
Exports rose 14.2% over a year ago to $US198.7 billion, a spokesman for the customs agency said, recovering from February's 20.8% contraction. Imports fell 7.6% to $US166 billion, worsening the previous month's 5.2% decline.
Exports to the United States rose 10.6% measured in Chinese currency, said the spokesman, Li Kuiwen. He gave no dollar figure but said imports of American goods plunged 21% in yuan terms.
The export slump has added to pressure on Chinese leaders to make peace in a tariff war with Washington over Beijing's technology ambitions.
"Exports have yet to fully recover from a sharp slowdown late last year," said Julians Evans-Pritchard of Capital Economics in a report.
Chinese government spokespeople said talks with Washington were making progress after nine rounds of negotiations. The latest three-day meeting in Washington last week dealt with technology transfer, intellectual property rights, agriculture and enforcement.
Forecasters say even if the two sides reach an agreement, this year's Chinese exports will be lacklustre.
Trump hiked tariffs on $US250 billion of Chinese goods over complaints Beijing steals or pressures companies to hand over technology. Chinese leaders retaliated with their own tariff hikes.
The fight has disrupted trade in goods ranging from soybeans to medical equipment. The dispute has rattled financial markets and prompted the International Monetary Fund and other forecasters to lower their outlook for global economic growth.
"The reversal of US tariffs would only provide a small boost to (Chinese) exports of around 1% to 2%," said Evans-Pritchard. "With global growth set to remain weak in the coming quarters, a strong rebound in exports therefore looks unlikely."
Chinese exports to the United States grew by double digits through most of 2018 despite Trump's tariff hikes starting in July. But they slid in December once the full impact hit.
Exports to the United States in January and February fell 14.1% from a year earlier.
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