Imports, exports data beat forecasts in boost to economy
Global economy rebound buoyed by electronics demand
Exporters scope to cut prices increasingly limited, analysts say
Exports to US returned to growth, but EU market still weak

BEIJING, March 7 Reuters China39;s export and import growth in the JanuaryFebruary period beat forecasts, suggesting global trade is turning a corner in an encouraging signal for policymakers as they try to shore up a stuttering economic recovery.

China39;s improved export data joins those of South Korea and Germany, and Taiwan, who all saw their shipments top expectations over the first two months of the year, with the Asian economies benefiting from a surge in demand for semiconductors.

Exports from the world39;s secondbiggest economy in the two months were 7.1 higher than a year before, customs data showed on Thursday, beating a Reuters a poll that expected an increase of 1.9. Imports were up 3.5, compared with a poll forecast for growth of 1.5.

The betterthanforecast data echoes a recovery in global trade driven by the electronics sector, but also benefits from a low base effect, as export growth in JanuaryFebruary 2023 was 6.8, said Xu Tianchen, senior economist at the Economist Intelligence Unit.

The customs agency publishes combined January and February trade data to smooth out distortions caused by the shifting timing of the Lunar New Year, which this year fell in February.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Tuesday announced a…