China trade surplus narrows in August, data reveals

China’s trade surplus narrowed in August as imports unexpectedly rose and exports fell at a lesser rate than the previous month, the General Administration of Customs revealed on Thursday.

The trade surplus came to $53.05bn last month, down from $52.31bn in July, although below economists’ forecasts of $59.40bn.

Imports rose 1.5%, exceeding forecasts for a 5.7% drop and following a 12.5% slide in July.

Exports fell 2.8% in August, compared to economists’ estimates for a 4.0% decline and the previous month’s 4.4% decrease.