Increase in port activity portraying a positive trade picture

According to Xiao, last year's export figures were probably distorted as some companies inflated their export orders to channel capital into China. The practice has been curtailed by the recent yuan depreciation and tighter controls by the authorities. Exports were also overstated by some enterprises to gain tax rebates.

Ports experience stable expansion in 2013

Tianjin Port throughput surpasses 500m tons

"This year's import and export value and container throughput figures reflect the true trade picture, while last year's [trade figures] were inflated by hot money flows under the guise of trade activities," Xiao added.

Exports to Hong Kong plunged 33.1 percent year-on-year in the first four months. Many of the false trade declarations filed last year were described as exports to Hong Kong.

"China's trade remains stable, and it will maintain an upswing in the months ahead, given that there are no other countries that can manufacture so many goods for the global market," Xiao said.

However, Xiao urged the government to make more efforts to simplify export procedures, given that a growing number of small and medium-sized companies are experiencing thinner profits.

"A number of factors, including increased labor and production costs and the unstable exchange rate, have squeezed businesses' profits. Simplified procedures and more professional trade services will help increase profits for small exporters," Xiao said.

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