China's March exports shrink, adding to danger of job losses as economy slows

BEIJING – China's exports unexpectedly fell in March, raising the danger of job losses as Beijing tries to overhaul its slowing economy.

Trade data on Thursday showed exports tumbled 6.6 percent from a year earlier. Imports were down 11.3 percent in a sign the Chinese economy might slowing further.

Export growth had been expected to recover after an 18.1 percent plunge in February's exports.

The unexpected decline raises the risk of job losses in export-dependent industries that employ millions of Chinese workers.