China has reported an unexpected fall in its exports and imports, adding to concerns of a slowdown in its economy, BBC News reported.
Exports fell 3.1% in June from a year earlier, indicating weak global demand for Chinese goods. Most analysts had expected a 4% increase in shipments. Imports fell 0.7% from a year ago, showing a subdued domestic demand.
China, the world's second-largest economy, has been keen to rebalance its economy, after a decline in global demand hurt its export-led growth.
China's economy grew at an annual pace of 7.7% in the January to March quarter, compared with 7.9% in the previous three months.
There have been concerns that its growth may slow further, not least because of a protracted slowdown in its key export markets in the US and Europe.
At the same time, policymakers have found it tough to boost domestic consumption enough to offset a decline in foreign sales.
Analysts said the surprise fall in exports and imports in June indicated that China's economic growth was likely to remain under pressure in the coming months.
