Most economists were well aware that China’s economy is not in the best of shape, considering the numerous lockdowns throughout the country. But the magnitude still surprised many: Last month, China’s foreign trade suffered the worst slump since the start of the Covid pandemic in February 2020. It dropped by 9.5 percent year-on-year, according to the General Administration of Customs. The deficit in exports was minus 8.7 percent, while imports fell by as much as 10.6 percent.