China’s Trade Surplus With The U.S. Rises to a Record Monthly Level

China’s import data in September posted disappointing growth, while exports beat expectations, according to data released Wednesday by the customs agency.

Imports in US dollars rose 17.6 percent last month from a year ago to $240 billion, less than 20 percent estimated by analysts polled by Reuters.

Exports in US dollars rose 28.1% year-on-year in September to $305.74 billion, topping the 21% growth figure forecast by a Reuters poll.

China’s trade surplus with the United States rose to a monthly record of $42 billion, with exports up nearly 30% from a year ago, while imports jumped just under 17%.