A cargo ship carrying containers is seen near the Yantian port in Shenzhen, following the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, Guangdong province, China May 17, 2020.
BEIJING — China's exports fell in May for the first time since February, customs data showed Wednesday.
Exports fell 7.5% year-on-year to $283.5 billion, far worse than the 0.4% decline predicted by a Reuters poll.
The disappointing export figures indicate that the longer-term trend is down, said Hao Hong, chief economist at Grow Investment Group.
China won't be able depend on trade to boost its economy for "another six months, for sure," he said, noting a drag from lackluster U.S. demand, where inflation — and interest rates — remain high.
Persons:
Hao Hong
Organizations:
Grow Investment
Locations:
Shenzhen, Guangdong province, China, BEIJING