China's imports jump 8.4% in April, exceeding expectations

China's imports surged in April, exceeding expectations as purchases from the US , European Union and Russia grew last month. Worldwide, imports climbed by 8.4% year-on-year, while expectations were for 4.8% only. Exports rose by 1.5% year-on-year in April in US dollars terms, in line with expectations. But it's interesting to note that China's imports from the U.S. climbed by 9% in April from a year ago, while exports dropped by nearly 3%. The US remains China's largest trading partner on a single-country basis. China's exports of cars, LCD panel displays and home appliances rose, while exports of cellphones fell slightly. Exports of ships also dropped.