Confidence index suggests China's exports improving

SHANGHAI - A confidence index released on Sunday showed China's exports continued to improve in the second quarter as supportive policies and currency depreciation took effect.

The International Purchasing Confidence Index, compiled by surveying China purchase divisions of 200 multinational corporations, rose to 52.87 in the second quarter from the first quarter reading of 52.18.

The Chinese government's targeted measures and the enhanced competitiveness of made-in-China products helped exports to stabilize, said Lin Shi'an, general manager of Shanghai ISPC Consulting, compiler of the index.

The industries surveyed included retail sales, automobile, energy, electronics, communications and chemicals. A reading above 50 suggests expansion while a reading below 50 means contraction.