March export growth eases slightly but beats forecasts
March imports unexpectedly fall
Ukraine war, COVID lockdowns taking a toll

BEIJING, April 13 Reuters China39;s imports unexpectedly fell in March as COVID19 curbs across large parts of the country hampered freight arrivals and weakened domestic demand, while export growth slowed, prompting analysts to expect a worsening in trade in the second quarter.

The softer trade figures are likely to reinforce expectations of more policy support from Beijing, with a government adviser on Wednesday calling for cuts in banks39; reserve requirements and interest rates to boost a flagging economy.

Inbound shipments fell 0.1 from a year earlier in March, marking the first decline since August 2020, customs data showed on Wednesday. That compared with a 15.5 gain in the first two months of the year and an 8 increase forecast by analysts in a Reuters poll.

The decline was broadbased. China39;s imports of crude oil tumbled 14 in March and gas import volumes were the lowest since October 2020. Purchases of copper fell 8.8, as COVID outbreaks hurt manufacturing activity and industrial demand for some raw materials remained soft.

Exports currently a major driver of the economy rose 14.7 in March, beating analyst expectations for a 13 rise, although it slowed from a 16.3 gain in JanuaryFebruary.

While disruptions from the latest COVID19 outbreak are partly to blame, shifts on the demandside played a bigger role, said Julian…