(Yicai Global) July 12 -- China's imports and exports increased almost 4 percent to about CNY14.7 trillion (USD2.1 trillion) in the first half, including a 6.1 percent growth in imports and a 1.4 percent rise in exports, the country's General Administration of Customs said today.

Declining iron ore and soybean imports boosted the trade surplus by nearly 42 percent to CNY1.23 trillion during this time, according to the administration.

Editor: Ben Armour