Rise in China’s imports and exports eases fears over global growth

Better-than-expected figures for June come as Covid lockdown measures ease worldwide

China's exports and imports both rose strongly in June, helping ease concerns over global growth that have knocked financial markets in recent days.

Exports grew by 32% year on year in June to $281bn (203bn), according to figures from China's General Administration of Customs. This is up from the 28% growth recorded in May, and better than analysts had expected. It marks 12 months of continuous export growth.