China's economy grows 9.4%

China's economy expanded 9.4% in the first nine months of this year, with full-year growth expected at 9.2%, according to official figures. The trade surplus narrowed sharply in September, with customs data showing a drop in the monthly surplus to US$7.6 billion — the smallest since April — the result of continued growing imports and slowing export growth. China's total trade surplus for the first nine months of this year rose to US$68 billion as exports surged 31% over a year earlier to US$546.4 billion and imports reached US$478.1 billion, up 16%.