China has set an ambitious growth target of "around 5%" — a goal seen harder to achieve given the prospects of an escalating trade war and weak domestic consumption

Beijing has suspended exports of certain rare earth minerals and magnets that are crucial for the world’s car, semiconductor and aerospace industries.

China's export growth beat expectations in March after factories rushed out shipments before the latest U.S. tariffs took effect, as an escalating Sino-U.S. trade war threatens to sharply restrain growth in the world's second-largest economy.