China exports fall sharpest in over a decade

BEIJINGP: China's exports fell 17.5 percent in January from a year earlier; customs authorities said Wednesday, marking the sharpest drop in more than a decade. 

The country's trade surplus remained high at 39.1 billion dollars, due to an even steeper drop in imports, which plunged 43.1 percent year-on-year, according to customs data. 

The weakening in the trade statistics came amid falling demand in key overseas markets and a general reduction in activity caused by the Lunar New Year holiday period, which began in January.