China's exports, trade surplus shrinks

China's exports fell 0.3 percent in September from a year earlier, customs data showed Saturday, ending two consecutive months of rise.

Imports, however, increased 7.4 percent last month as compared a year ago, accelerating from August's 7-percent rise, Xinhua cited from the General Administration of Customs.

This left the country with a trade surplus of $15.2 billion in September, compared with $28.52 billion in August.

Taking into account the exchange rate fluctuations, the country's foreign trade volume rose 3.3 percent in September, down from 7.1 percent increase in August and 7.8 percent rise in July.