India, March 7 -- China's exports growth eased more than expected at the start of the year and imports logged an unexpected sharp decline amid mounting trade tensions, official data revealed on Friday.
Exports grew at a slower pace of 2.3 percent annually in the January to February period, following a 10.7 percent rise in December, data from the customs office showed. Exports were expected to climb 5.0 percent.
Imports declined 8.4 percent from a year ago, in contrast to the 1.0 percent increase registered in December. Economists had expected imports to rise 1.0 percent again in January to February period.
"US tariffs aren't to blame for the time being, at least not directly," Capital Economics economist Julian Evans-Pritchard said.
"Th...