MNI BRIEF: China's Aug Exports Up 4.4%, Imports Up 1.3%

China's exports increased 4.4% y/y in August, while imports rose 1.3%, data released by China Customs showed on Monday.

Exports in August reached USD321.8 billion, up 4.4% y/y, slowing down from the prior month's 7.2% growth, and behind the forecasted 5.4%. Imports rose 1.3% in August, down from July's 4.1% rise and failed meeting the market consensus of a 3.5% increase.

China’s trade surplus in August hit USD102.33 billion, larger than the consensus of USD99.3 billion, taking Jan-Aug’s final surplus to USD785.3 billion. 

Exports to the U.S. fell 15.5% y/y from January to August, while imports declined 11.0%. Exports to the EU rose 7.5% over the same period, with imports down 4.8%.