Mubasher: China’s trade balance surplus slowed in 2017 as imports’ growth outperformed rise seen in exports.

The full year’s trade surplus reached $422.5 billion, down from $486 in 2016, according to China's customs data released on Friday.

Data also showed a 7.9% increase in exports during 2017 and a 15.9% rise in imports, both in dollar terms.

However, the second largest economy’s trade surplus with the US widened to a new record high at $275.81 billion.