Industrial output growth slows

China’s industrial output growth rose at a slower rate in April than during the same period a year ago, AFP reported. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, the country’s industrial output, considered a key measure of economic activity, grew 15.7% in April, down 1.7% from growth reported in April 2007. In the first four months of 2008, industrial output rose 16.3% year-on-year, the bureau added. The slowing growth has been blamed on weakening exports, a trend that may continue as the worldwide economic slowdown hits China’s exporters.