China imports slump 20% amid falling commodity prices and weak demand

Imports were down for the 11th month in a row, according to official figures, but there are signs that demand for the country's exports is picking up

China's imports fell heavily in September, official figures said, keeping pressure on policymakers to do more to stave off a sharper economic slowdown.

Although exports fell less than expected by 3.7% from the same period last year, the value of imports tumbled more than 20% to register the 11th straight month of falls.

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