China posts record trade surplus as foreign importers rush to beat tariffs

Analysts say the disparity between booming exports and sluggish imports highlights the reliance of China’s economy on access to the west’s affluent consumers. Photograph: AP

China posted a record $99bn (£76.4bn) trade surplus last month amid signs of importers bringing forward orders to beat higher tariffs on goods from the world’s second biggest economy.

The latest official figures from Beijing showed exports growing at their fastest rate in 15 months, while the weakness of China’s domestic economy resulted in falling imports.