BEIJING, Nov 7 Reuters China39;s imports unexpectedly grew in October while exports contracted at a quicker pace, in a mixed set of indicators that showed the world39;s secondlargest economy facing persistent risks despite a recent improvement in domestic demand.

The trade figures follow a run of mostly upbeat data that showed Beijing39;s support measures have helped bolster a tentative comeback, although a protracted property crisis and soft global demand continue to dog policymakers heading into 2024.

Exports shrank 6.4 from a year earlier in October, customs data showed on Tuesday, faster than a 6.2 decline in September and worse than a 3.3 fall expected in a Reuters poll. Imports rose 3.0, dashing forecasts for a 4.8 contraction and swinging from a 6.2 fall in September. Imports snapped 11 straight months of decline.

The figures are in contrast to market expectations. The bad exports data may hit market confidence as we had expected the supply chain of exports to recover, said Zhou Hao, economist at Guotai Junan International.

The significant improvement in imports may come from rising domestic demand, in particular a demand to replenish stocks.

UNEVEN RECOVERY

The yuan and Chinese stocks fell following the data, which reinforced markets39; continued concerns about a fragile and uneven recovery.

China39;s official purchasing managers39; index last week showed both new export and import orders shrank for an eighth consecutive month in October, suggesting…