The export boom that has powered China’s economy through the pandemic decelerated in August, reflecting the impact from rising inflation and slowing growth elsewhere in the world. The larger-than-expected slowdown in export growth is raising fears that the engine of the world’s second-largest economy is sputtering, as fresh Covid lockdowns in major Chinese cities are further restraining spending and the world economy edges closer to recession. Last month, Chinese goods shipments to the rest of the world rose by 7.1% from a year ago to $314.9 billion, the weakest gain since April, China’s General Administration of Customs said on Wednesday. The result fell below a median forecast of 12.5% among economists polled by The Wall Street Journal, and decelerated from July’s 18% year-over-year gain. Slowing exports partly reflect […]