China trade beats forecasts in April

BEIJING — China’s trade grew faster than expected last month, official data showed on Saturday, withstanding pressure from war in the Middle East and reversing a decline in exports to the United States. Booming trade has represented a vital lifeline for Beijing in recent years as the domestic economy lags, with sluggish spending and a stubborn debt crisis in the property sector weighing on activity. The war with Iran, launched by the United States and Israel in late February, has produced new risks for China’s economy, though its trade has so far appeared to be weathering the disruptions. Exports from…