China's exports fell in December for a second month as a trade slump that has prompted a wave of factory closures and layoffs worsened. -- PHOTO: AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
BEIJING - CHINA'S exports fell in December for a second month as a trade slump that has prompted a wave of factory closures and layoffs worsened, according to data reported on Tuesday by a government newspaper.
Exports in December were down 2.8 per cent from the same time last year, the China Daily said, citing customs agency data. Imports fell even more sharply, declining 21.3 per cent in a reflection of the country's domestic economic slowdown.
The slump has triggered a wave of factory closures and layoffs that communist leaders worry could fuel unrest.
December's decline came after China's trade growth collapsed in November, with exports falling 2.2 per cent and imports plunging 17.9 per cent. -- AP
