BEIJING, June 8 Reuters China will make port operations more efficient and hold more online trade fairs, among new measures to ease pressure on foreign trade, Vice Commerce Minister Wang Shouwen said on Wednesday.

Export growth in the world39;s second largest economy slowed to single digits in April, the weakest in almost two years, while imports stayed flat as strict COVID19 curbs halted factory production and crimped domestic demand.

Logistics efficiency has dropped, supply chains are not running smoothly and soaring raw material prices have put firms involved with international trade under pressure, Wang said at a press conference in Beijing.

We must be clear about the uncertainties for foreign trade while the global economy recovery remains fragile and demand growth is still slow, Wang said, adding that rising global inflation will reduce consumer spending on foreign goods.

Widespread and stringent COVID19 curbs, including a full lockdown of commercial hub Shanghai in April and May, hit Chinese factories hard and caused massive supply chain disruptions.

Wang said China would introduce targeted measures to boost trade, including aid from banks on issues related to currency, shipping costs and export tax rebates.

The transport ministry will help improve port operations and more online trade fairs will be organised to help firms secure orders, Wang added.

The measures are in line with the cabinet39;s previously announced policy of boosting foreign trade through…