Exporters stuck in neutral as costs rise, demand stagnates

High costs, bureaucracy and labor difficulties weigh on enterprises seeking to sell to foreign markets, reports Li Jiabao in Hefei, Anhui

Chinese exporters are still grappling with difficulties, even though overseas shipments by the world's largest merchandise trader have improved in recent months and the government has acted to support trade and ensure the 7.5 percent foreign trade target is achieved.

"Difficulties involving tax rebates and fees persist, which burden us a lot along with rising costs at home and sluggish demand abroad," Yang Jun, general manager for international trade at Hefei Rongshida Sanyo Electric Co Ltd, told China Daily.