SHANGHAI, Nov 7, 2021 (BSS/AFP) - China's exports rose by a better-than-

expected clip in October, official data showed on Sunday, with demand
strengthening in some key markets such as the United States and Covid numbers
easing overseas.

   The data from the world's second-largest economy also suggested that
Chinese factories had kept the goods flowing out despite power outages in
recent months caused by emission reduction targets, the surging price of
coal, and supply shortages.

   The government said last week that the power crisis was winding down
thanks to a boost in domestic coal output.

   Exports rose a better-than-expected 27.1 percent on-year in October,
according to customs authorities, to $300.2 billion.

   Imports came in slightly below analyst estimates, rising 20.6 percent in
October.

   In recent months, several Chinese factories were forced to halt operations
due to power outages, raising concerns about global supply chains.

   The squeeze had worsened as China's Covid-19 border restrictions hindered
shipments of raw materials from overseas while a trade tiff with Australia
exacerbated the drop in coal imports.