Last year the group faced a slowdown in external trade and rising costs that have checked gains for port operators in China and Hong Kong.

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As a result, the country's external surpluses are rising.

ECONOMIST: The frugal giant

From a medium-term perspective, while slowing external demand and rising domestic production costs will continue to pose headwinds for Chinese exports, some encouraging developments lead to the ongoing optimism on China, even if it is more subdued.

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