China’s trade surplus in April
In the first four months of 2005, China's total trade surplus reached $21.2 billion. The surplus was $4.6 billion only in April, 31% up year on year but 20% down month on month. During January-April 2005, the exports of the country increased 34% year on year to $218.1 billion while the imports rose by 13% to $196.9 billion. China's textile, electronics and steel industries were the main sectors the country boosted exports. Analysts say the imports of China would gain pace in the forthcoming months but the increase would not be very high because China has become less dependent on foreign products to feed its steel, chemicals and electronics industry. Some analysts also say that China might be obliged to shift from its fixed currency policy due to high trade surplus.