(Yicai Global) July 13 -- The value of China’s imports and exports surged 9.4 percent in the first six months from the same period last year as foreign trade got back on track in May and June after a resurgence of Covid-19 in the country, according to the latest data.

Some CNY19.8 trillion (USD2.9 trillion) worth of goods were imported into or exported out of China in the six months ended June 30, the General Administration of Customs said yesterday.

Of this, exports soared 13.2 percent to CNY11.1 trillion (USD1.6 trillion) and imports advanced 4.8 percent to CNY8.7 trillion, Li Kuiwen, director of the Statistics and Analysis Department of the General Administration of Customs, said at a press conference.

The country’s imports and exports are expected to maintain stable growth in the second half, as a raft of supportive policies come into effect and more businesses return to work, Li said. Although China’s foreign trade is facing uncertainties as the pandemic and the global situation remain severe and complicated, the long-term upward momentum of the Chinese economy remains unchanged.

The economic hub of the Yangtze River Delta region, which encompasses Shanghai and the surrounding area, has sprung back to life since May following a two-month lockdown in Shanghai to control an outbreak of Covid-19, Li said.

Total imports and exports in the region soared 14.9 percent in June year on year, higher than the national growth rate of 14.3 percent. While that for Shanghai surged 9.6 percent, ending two months of decline.

Editor: Kim Taylor