China’s exports grew by 16% on a year earlier in January, the fastest rate of growth since February 2015. In dollar terms that was an 8% jump, well ahead of the 3% expected by economists. This came despite the two week earlier lunar new year, and may reflect exporters’ attempts to beat new tariffs or taxes from the Trump administration. A 6% growth in shipments to the U.S. supports this. A bigger growth driver though was Japan-bound exports which expanded 9%. Chinese manufacturers remain upbeat, so growth may continue.