Chinese exports begin rebound, but 2023 slump still apparent

Chinese exports are believed to have grown for a second month in December, following a sustained lull marked by the country's first drop in annual exports in seven years.

Global trade slowed in 2023 as higher interest rates in the United States, Europe and other major consumer markets crimped demand.

The United Nations warned trade in goods likely contracted by nearly $2 trillion or 8% last year. But improving Chinese, South Korean and German export data suggests conditions are slowly turning a corner.