China’s exports and imports fell more sharply than expected in July, adding to a prolonged trade slump that is fuelling concerns over growth prospects for the world’s second-largest economy.Exports declined by 14.5 per cent year on year in dollar terms, official data showed on Tuesday, the steepest fall since the outset of the coronavirus pandemic in February 2020. Imports tumbled 12.4 per cent, the biggest decline since a wave of infections hit the mainland in January and one of the worst in recent years.

Economists polled by Reuters had forecast falls of 12.5 and 5 per cent respectively.

Weakness in international trade is one of the main sources of pressure for policymakers in Beijing, who are also grappling with a paralysed property sector and flagging domestic demand since anti-pandemic measures were lifted in December.