(Yicai Global) Aug. 7 -- China’s trade with the US narrowed during the first seven months of this year amid the Covid-19 pandemic and trade frictions between the two countries.

China's imports and exports fell 6.4 percent to USD289 billion from a year ago, the Asian country's General Administration of Customs announced today. Imports slid 3.5 percent to USD67.7 billion while exports shrank 7.3 percent to USD221.3 billion.

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations retained its position as China's largest trading partner and it was the only major trade block that recorded growth over the period. ASEAN imports and exports widened by 3.1 percent to USD356.8 billion.

Trade with the EU slid 3.1 percent to USD342.8 billion, ranking No. 2. Japan's tally decreased by 2.2 percent to USD174.3 billion.

Editor: Emmi Laine