BEIJING (Reuters) – China’s exports growth likely slowed in the January-February period, a Reuters poll showed on Wednesday, suggesting manufacturers are still struggling for overseas buyers and in need of further policy support at home.
Trade data for the January-February period is expected to show exports grew 1.9% year-on-year, according to the median forecast of 34 economists, down slightly from the 2.3% increase recorded in December. The data will be released on Thursday.
The customs agency publishes combined January and February trade data to smooth out distortions caused by the shifting timing of the Lunar New Year, which fell in February this year.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Tuesday announced an ambitious 2024 economic growth target of around 5% and promised to transform the country’s development model, which is heavily reliant on exporting finished goods.
The world’s second-biggest economy has been grappling with sub-par…
