Nation's medicine trade improves

China's trade in medical products grew by 7 percent in 2016, and the segment drove overall trade as well, a key industry body said on Friday.

The China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Medicines and Health Products said higher imports show robust demand in the domestic market, suggesting significant growth potential.

"The export and import of medicines and health products in China have stepped into a low-growth rate period, under a declining overseas demand and fierce price competition," said Xu Ming, vice-president of the chamber.