China expects generally favourable trade environment in 2018

China's foreign trade environment will remain generally favourable in 2018, even as risks from trade protectionism are growing, the commerce ministry said on Monday.

China's stronger than expected trade performance this year has provided support for the economy, as the government presses ahead with policies to cool the property sector and deal with debt risks in the economy.

“Looking forward to 2018, China's foreign trade conditions are generally favourable as the global economy steadily recovers and China's economy grows smoothly,” the ministry said.

“But there are still many external risks and uncertainties with economic and non-economic factors intertwined. As trade protectionism continues to grow, domestic costs also continue to rise. As a result, pressure on business has increased and the development of China's foreign trade continues to face many difficulties and challenges.”

China's foreign trade has recovered this year after several years of contraction, though the government has not set a numerical target for growth in foreign trade in the past two years.