China's exports up for first time in 3 months

China's exports rose 0.9 percent from a year earlier in April for the first expansion in three months, government figures showed Thursday. Exports, which followed March's 6.6 percent decline, totaled USD 188.54 billion, according to data released by the General Administration of Customs. Imports, meanwhile, grew 0.8 percent from a year earlier to USD 170.09 billion, following a decline of 11.3 percent in March. Trade surplus stood at USD 18.45 billion, up 1.8 percent on the year. On April 30, the State Council, China's Cabinet, vowed to support the stable growth of foreign trade and improve foreign trade structure, according to state-run Xinhua News Agency. China faces a tough situation in foreign trade and must work hard to reach its annual targets, said a statement released after an executive meeting of the State Council presided over by Chinese Premier Li Keqiang. The first measure that should be taken is to optimize foreign trade structure, including encouraging imports of advanced technology equipment and key parts, the statement said. The second measure that should be taken is to facilitate trade, including clearing intermediary services and fees, it said.