China exports jump 10.6% in January, surprising analysts

China’s exports jumped 10.6% year-on-year in January, beating expectations across the board, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing data released today by the General Administration of Customs. This was up from December’s 4.3% rise and far above economists’ median forecast of a 0.1% expansion, according to a survey of 11 economists by The Wall Street Journal. Imports rose 10% compared with a year ago, up from the 8.3% rise in December and beating the economists’ median forecast of a 3% increase. China’s trade surplus widened in January to US$31.86 billion from US$25.6 billion in December, surpassing the median US$27.1 billion forecast.