PEKIN (Reuters) – China exports progressed in August at their lowest pace in six months, weighed down by the slowdown in deliveries to the United States while the positive effects of the commercial break between the two countries have faded, stressing the need for Beijing to take stimulus measures in the fourth quarter.

According to official data published on Monday, Chinese exports increased last month by 4.4% over one year, a rate below the consensus which appeared at +5.0% after an increase of 7.2% in July.

Imports climbed 1.3% in August, show Chinese customs data. Analysts anticipated an average increase of 3.0% after an increase of 4.1% the previous month.

Dependent on exports, the Chinese economy is put under pressure by the erratic commercial policy of American president Donald Trump, who launched a world trade war since his return to power in the White House last January.

She also suffers from an always gloomy domestic demand, adding to the challenges faced by political decision -makers in Beijing.

For the time being, as part of the commercial break that the two largest world economic powers have agreed on August 11 to extend for 90 days, Chinese products exported to the United States are targeted by customs duties of 30%, while American products arriving in China are taxed at 10%.

If the negotiations on an agreement between Beijing and Washington continue, few advances have been communicated and a vagueness remains on the prospects once the “break” ended.

Economists have warned that American customs duties greater than 35% – Donald Trump announced in April his intention to tax Chinese products up to 145% – would be excessively high for Chinese exporters.

China’s trade surplus came out in August $ 102.3 billion, compared to 98.24 billion in the previous month, show Chinese customs data. He had established $ 114.7 billion in June.

(Joe Cash; Jean Terzian)

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