Exports from China shrank last month, the first such decline since mid-2020. Exports fell by 0.3 percent year-on-year, according to the Chinese General Administration of Customs.
Year-on-year imports fell by 0.7 percent, negative for the first time since March this year.
Global demand for products from China is weakening with energy prices soaring and the US facing a threat of recession.
Sporadic COVID-19 lockdowns have reduced consumer enthusiasm and business confidence in China, which is the world’s second-largest economy.
Analysts forecast export growth of 4.3 percent last month, but expected only 0.1 percent growth in imports.