The pace of growth of China's exports slowed in May, suggesting that demand in its key markets may be faltering.
Shipments from the mainland grew by 19% last month compared with the same period last year.
It's a sharp decline from a 30% annual surge seen a month earlier.
Meanwhile, imports grew by 28%, resulting in a weaker-than-expected trade surplus of $US13.1 billion.
Analysts say the numbers are surprisingly weak and suggest the global economic recovery still remains volatile.
