Chinese economic data puts downward pressure on raw material prices

摘要

Latest trade figures from China for the month of April have worsened markets' sentiment. Growth in exports was "only" 8.5% versus a year ago, significantly lower than in March when the growth rate was an extraordinary 14.8%. Imports, which are seen as an indicator of domestic economic activity, even fell by almost 8%. In the previous month this figure was only minus 1.4%. So it is not surprising that many markets initially reacted to this news with falling prices.