China exports, imports soar past expectations in October — surplus narrows sharply

China’s goods exports rose 35.2% year over year in October, beating a Reuters poll forecast of 33.5% and slowing slightly from September’s 36.3% gain, while imports also exceeded expectations and the trade surplus narrowed sharply. The stronger-than-expected trade readings suggest external and domestic demand held up despite global supply-chain disruptions and pandemic-related restrictions. The narrower surplus may ease some pressure in trade negotiations with major partners, though details on specific commodity and partner-country flows were not included in the excerpt. Investors will watch upcoming industrial output, retail sales and credit data for confirmation that the trade strength is feeding through to the broader economy.