China’s exports and imports beat estimates, signalling improving demand

Exports in January to February grew 7.1% from a year earlier, according to customs data (Chinatopix via AP)

China’s exports and imports for the first two months of the year have beaten estimates, an indication that demand may be improving as Beijing attempts to speed up its economic recovery.

Exports in January to February grew 7.1% from a year earlier, according to customs data released on Thursday, up from a 2.3% rise in December. Imports rose 3.5%, compared to 0.2% growth in December. The trade surplus was 125 billion US dollars (£98 billion).