China’s exports fell 2.2% in November from the same period last year, the first decline in exports since June 2001, the Wall Street Journal reported. Exports had grown 19.2% year-on-year in October. Import numbers were also down sharply, down 17.9% year-on-year in November, after rising 15.6% in October. Declining import numbers could indicate weak demand for components for future exports, the report said. The figures were well below forecasts, and have raised concerns that the government could adopt policies to protect export industries.
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