China's October trade surplus rises, but slowing demand dampens outlook

CHINA's trade surplus has grown to its fastest rate in October at US$32 billion up from previous month's $27.67 billion and recorded export growth at 11.6 per cent, a five month high.

However positive the growth is for the world's second-biggest economy, Commerce Minister Chen Deming cautions against over optimism.

In a report from London's Financial Times, Mr Chen said on the sidelines of the 18th Party Congress in Beijing, that the situation has improved but with global demand still far from up "foreign trade will remain grim in the coming months and it is difficult to be optimistic about next year."