(Yicai Global) July 14 -- The Association of Southeast Asian Nations was China's largest trading partner in the first half of this year, while trade with the US and the European Union narrowed amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

China's imports and exports with the 10 ASEAN members rose 5.6 percent to CNY2.09 trillion (USD298.7 billion) from a year ago, accounting for nearly 15 percent of China’s total foreign trade, the General Administration of Customs said today.

Meanwhile, China's trade with the EU slid 1.8 percent to CNY1.99 trillion. That with the US declined 6.6 percent to CNY1.64 trillion.

Trade with countries along Xi Jinping's signature investment initiative Belt and Road fell 0.9 percent to CNY4.2 trillion.

Editor: Emmi Laine