BEIJING, July 12 Reuters China39;s export slump is expected to have accelerated in June, as sluggish overseas economies struggling with inflation and rising interest rates buy up fewer goods from Chinese factories.

Outbound shipments from the world39;s secondlargest economy were projected to have fallen 9.5 yearonyear, following a drop of 7.5 in May, according to the median forecast of 30 economists in the poll finalised on Wednesday.

That would be the worst decline since January, when China39;s supply chains were grappling with a wave of COVID19 infections unleashed by the end of harsh pandemicrelated restrictions.

Chinese factory activity has been shrinking in recent months and policymakers are now reckoning with the prospect of prolonged slower growth in the world39;s secondlargest economy around just 3 annually, according to economists39; forecasts. That is less than half the rates typical throughout recent decades and creates the feel of an economy in recession.

Onethird of respondents to the trade poll forecast that exports in June dropped by a doubledigit percentage, as in January. Societe Generale was the most bearish, anticipating a drop of 15.7.

Imports in June are expected to have shrunk by 4.0, after a fall of 4.5 in May, reflecting persistently weak domestic demand.

China39;s trade data will be released on Thursday.

Chinese consumer prices teetered on the edge of deflation in June while producer prices fell at their fastest pace in more than seven…