Challenging export outlook

The outlook for exports in the second half is not optimistic, and prospects for the full year have become more challenging, Shen Danyang, spokesman for the Ministry of Commerce, said on Wednesday.

"We have to overcome many difficulties to reach this year's trade growth target, but that does not mean we will miss it," Shen said.

"The State Council is ready to roll out trade-support measures, which will lower export costs as well as boost new competitive edges with technology, brand, quality and services."

"We should moderately depreciate the yuan in the second half of this year, which will enhance export competitiveness as well as ease pressure on monetary policy," said Wang Jun, a senior researcher with the China Center for International Economic Exchanges.

Exports edged down 3.1 percent year-on-year in June.