China September Trade Surplus More Than Doubles

Beijing: China's trade surplus more than doubled to $31.0 billion in September, official data showed Monday, as exports jumped while imports increased at a slower rate.

Exports from the world's second-biggest economy rose 15.3 per cent year-on-year to $213.7 billion, the General Administration of Customs announced, while imports climbed 7.0 per cent to $182.7 billion.

The surplus was lower than August's record $49.8 billion, and also came in below expectations of $42 billion in a poll of 15 economists by Dow Jones Newswires.

But the rise in exports accelerated from August's 9.4 per cent and was ahead of the median forecast of 12.5 per cent.

The survey had predicted a fall of 2.4 per cent in imports, matching a surprise decline in August.

"Foreign trade has turned better quarter by quarter," Customs said in a statement. "Bilateral trade with major trade partners increased."