China's March trade deficit may signal key import shift

China has posted a surprise trade deficit in March as imports rose more-than-expected on stronger demand for commodities such as copper and oil.

Analysts said the deficit may signal that domestic demand is picking up and China's attempts to move away from export-led growth were working.

Imports surged 14% from a year earlier. Analysts were expecting a 5% increase.

Exports only rose by 10%, leading to a $884m (£577m) deficit. There was a surplus of $15.3bn in February.