China export and import growth slows sharply in July

Exports in China rose by 1% from a year earlier, down from 11.3% growth in June, amid slowing demand from key markets. Meanwhile, imports rose by 4.7% compared with 6.3% in June, indicating that domestic demand was also slowing.

Analysts said the data was weaker-than-expected and may see Beijing introduce stimulus measures to spur growth.

"Trade data has come in dramatically below expectations - the worst export growth number (excluding Chinese New Year) since November 2009 - highlighting the risk that the external environment poses to an economy in the midst of a rapid internal slowdown," said Alistair Thornton of IHS Global Insight in Beijing.

"The government is likely to respond by ramping-up its stimulus efforts, with both monetary and fiscal guns firing."