China's export growth slows sharply

Official customs data released on Tuesday shows a sharp deceleration in Chinese trade, with export growth falling from nearly 40% in February to just 2.5% in March.

The slowdown is largely attributed to the volatility in the Persian Gulf, which has spiked shipping rates and created uncertainty in global demand.

Conversely, imports surged as the country grappled with rising costs for crude oil and natural gas.

Economists warn that a prolonged conflict involving Iran could continue to throttle manufacturing and the broader global recovery.