China鈥檚 exports grew slower than expected in the first two months of the year, official data showed Friday, as a deepening trade war with the United States piles on economic malaise.
Over a month into his second term as US president, Donald Trump, has slapped sweeping tariffs on the export-dependent nation, citing Beijing鈥檚 failure to stem fentanyl flows as justification.
China last year saw exports surge to a record high 鈥� a key economic lifeline as persistent woes including slow consumption and a property sector crisis weighed on activity.
While experts say the full impact of Trump鈥檚 tariffs on China鈥檚 economy remains to be seen, early signs indicate that its overseas shipments are bound for choppy waters.
Exports in US dollar terms in January and February combined grew 2.3 per cent compared to the same period last year, official data from China鈥檚 customs administration showed Friday.
The reading came in short of a Bloomberg forecast, which had anticipated exports to grow 5.9 per cent during the first two months聽 of 2025. It also represented a slowdown from 10.7 per cent growth in December.
The deceleration could be 鈥榩artly due to the slowdown of export front loading, which was strong late last year to avoid the trade war鈥�, wrote Zhiwei Zhang, president and chief economist at Pinpoint Asset Management.
The full extent of damage caused by new US tariffs 鈥� imposed in two rounds of 10-per cent blanket hikes in early February and this week 鈥� will likely begin to be seen next month, said Zhang.
Imports, meanwhile, fell sharply during the first two months, a sign that domestic consumption remains mired in a slump.
Shipments into China during the period fell 8.4 per cent, well below a Bloomberg forecast of one per cent growth, customs data showed.
In addition to weak spending, the fall in imports could have been due to a decline in 鈥榠mported parts and components as inputs for re-exports鈥�, wrote Zhang.
The figures come as China holds its biggest annual political gathering in Beijing, known as the 鈥楾wo Sessions鈥�.
At Wednesday鈥檚 opening session of the country鈥檚 rubber-stamp legislature, premier Li Qiang announced a national growth target of 鈥榓round five per cent鈥� for this year 鈥� the same as 2024.
Many experts say that goal is ambitious, given the accelerating headwinds facing the world鈥檚 second-largest economy. Bagerhat sees abundance in watermelon harvest
United News of Bangladesh . Bagerhat
As the golden sun casts its warm embrace over the lush fields of Bagerhat, the arrival of watermelon season paints a picture of abundance and promise.
The much-loved summer fruit has begun gracing markets, drawing eager customers who revel in its juicy sweetness and refreshing taste.
Along the bustling roadside of Mithapukur Par, towering stacks of freshly harvested watermelons create a mesmerising green landscape.
The vibrant scene is punctuated by the chatter of excited buyers, some halting their vehicles in spontaneous delight, drawn by the sight of the plump, glistening fruits.
Currently, watermelons are fetching Tk 50 per kilogramme, a price that, while slightly steep for some, is expected to ease in the coming weeks as supply surges.
With the season just kicking off, farmers brim with optimism, hoping for a prosperous yield that will bring them good returns.
Shankar Kumar Majumdar, deputy director of the Bagerhat Agricultural Extension Department, highlighted that while watermelons are now available year-round, their peak season begins in March.
This year, an excellent harvest has brought several hybrid varieties to the market, including Dragon King, Pakija, Big Family, Asian, and Banglalink-each boasting its unique sweetness and texture.
鈥楽ince watermelons have just started entering the market, prices are slightly higher. However, we expect them to decrease as the supply increases,鈥� Majumdar explained, radiating confidence in this year鈥檚 yield.
Watermelon cultivation follows a precise rhythm dictated by the seasons.
The summer crop, planted between November and December, reaches peak availability by mid-April, ensuring a steady flow of the fruit throughout the warmer months.
For customers like Halim Sheikh, the sight of these succulent fruits was too tempting to resist.
Holding a six-kilogram watermelon he had just purchased for Tk 300, he shared his excitement,
鈥業t鈥檚 exciting to see such a large supply of watermelons so early in the season. My family loves them, so I didn鈥檛 mind the price.鈥�
Yet, not everyone found the cost agreeable. Buyers like Milton, Alam, Towhid, and Amal deliberated over their choices, selecting smaller fruits to match their budgets.
鈥榃atermelon is a must-have during Ramadan and summer, so we bought some, but we had to choose smaller ones to stay within our budget,鈥� one of them remarked.
Despite the initial price concerns, the arrival of watermelons signals the beginning of a season that embodies refreshment and joy. As the weeks roll on and the market floods with this beloved fruit, it won鈥檛 be long before its affordability matches the delight it brings to every table.
For the farmers who have toiled under the sun, the scene at the markets is heartening. The sight of delighted customers, the weight of fresh harvests in their hands, and the hopeful glances exchanged over stacks of watermelons reflect the age-old cycle of nature鈥檚 generosity and human perseverance.
As Bagerhat鈥檚 watermelon season gains momentum, the promise of a fruitful harvest lingers in the air. And with every bite of the crimson, juicy flesh, the taste of summer finds its way into homes, bringing refreshment, nostalgia, and the simple joy of nature鈥檚 sweetest offerings.