China’s exports grew for a fifth consecutive month, in a sign of growing demand abroad even as imports fell amid a slowing Chinese economy. Exports in August expanded by 8.7% to $308.65 billion compared to the same period last year,

The 8.7% increase was the strongest in 18 months and came as imports rose just 0.5%, falling short of expectations as the Chinese economy slows.

Chinese exports exceeded market expectations in August, rising at a faster clip despite the impact of punitive tariffs.