China: Overall trade balance fell sharply to $28.5 bln in September - BBH

Analysts at BBH point out that China reported its September trade figures and the overall trade balance fell sharply to $28.5 bln from almost $42 in August.  

Key Quotes

“Both exports and imports rose.  Exports rose 8.1% year-over-year, which was less than expected, though an improvement from the 5.6% in the year through August.  Imports rose 18.7%, accelerating from the 13.5% pace in August.  In addition to the increase in trade, a couple of details stand out.  China's bilateral trade surplus with the US rose to a new record ($28.1 bln), while China's exports to North Korea fell.  Arguably more important than the slower exports, China's imports from North Korea fell nearly 38% from a year ago.”