Slower China growth hurts shipping sector: Fitch

Expects global container demand to moderate to 2-4% this year

China's slower growth and economic transition will pose significant risks for the already struggling shipping sector, rating agency Fitch said on Monday.

"Weaker data on exports and manufacturing in China and its economic transition increase uncertainty for container shipping," said Fitch in a report.

China is a key player in global trade, accounting for two-thirds of world iron ore imports, 20% of coal imports and 16% of oil imports, reported Xinhua.

China's slowing growth will therefore significantly cut demand for shipping services, while oversupply is rife in nearly all shipping segments, it said.

The rating firm expected global container demand growth to moderate to between 2 and 4% this year, compared to its previous forecast of 4 to 5%.