The slowdown in China's exports appeared to be easing, according to figures released Wednesday.

The Chinese customs agency said exports fell 15.2 per cent to $115.9 billion US in September from the same period a year earlier, but that was the least in nine months, a sign that global demand might be rebounding.

A Chinese worker prepares to pack a shipment of goods set for export in Beijing on Wednesday. The slump in China's exports eased in September. (Elizabeth Dalziel/Associated Press)

Imports by the world's third largest economy declined by 3.5 per cent to $103 billion. That's the smallest drop since November 2008.

Record bank lending

In another positive sign, China's central bank reported Wednesday that new bank lending rose to a record $1.27 trillion in the period from January to September. That's 1½ times greater than the same period last year.

China's exports slumped in late 2008, hit hard by the global recession, but a $596-billion stimulus program of spending on public works has helped to revive the economy.

The government will release data next week on economic growth for the three months ended in September. Some forecasters predict expansion could exceed eight per cent.

With files from Associated Press