China's trade surplus to drop

China's trade surplus will likely drop to US$30bn in the second half of this year from US$39.6bn in the first six months, state media reported, citing the State Information Centre. An appreciation in the nation's currency and a slowing of growth in the global economy and in foreign investment would curb China's foreign trade, the report said. The growth rate of exports is expected to drop, narrowing the gap between imports and exports. Exports and imports are estimated to grow at 22% and 18% respectively in the latter half of the year, said the report.