CHINA’S exports in November were 5.9 per cent higher than last year, according to customs data released today.

Shipments to the United States dropped by nearly 29 per cent from a year earlier in an eighth straight month of double-digit declines.

While exports from China to the US have fallen for most of the year, shipments have surged to other destinations, including south-east Asia, Latin America, Africa and the European Union.

China’s imports increased 1.9 per cent in November, at more than $218.6 billion (£166bn), better than October’s 1 per cent growth.

A year-long trade truce between China and the US was reached at a meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and US leader Donald Trump in late October in South Korea.

The US has lowered its tariffs on China, and China has promised to halt its export controls related to rare earths.

With exports still going strong, economists expect China to meet its economic growth target of around 5 per cent for this year.

An annual economic planning meeting was held today, led by President Xi, to map out economic growth plans for 2026, according to state news agency Xinhua.

During the meeting Chinese leaders reiterated a focus on “pursuing progress while ensuring stability.”