tokyo may 18 reuters  japans export growth hit its weakest pace in more than two years in april as chinabound shipments slumped amid lingering worries about faltering global economic demand exports rose 26 in april from a year earlier ministry of finance data showed on thursday slower than a 30 increase expected by economists in a reuters poll and a 43 rise in march that marked the weakest gain since february 2021 when exports declined 45 the worlds no 3 economy emerged from recession in the first quarter helped by a boost in consumer spending and tourism following the end of covid19 pandemic restrictions but weak exports are weighing on factory activity and hampering a broader recovery exports slumped 42 in januarymarch the first decline in six quarters by destination japanese exports to china the countrys largest trading partner dropped 29 in april yearonyear dragged by declines in cars car parts and steel shipments it followed a 77 decline in march and marked a fifth straight month of falls imports fell 23 in april much bigger than the median estimate for a 03 decrease and the first annual decline in 27 months as prices of crude oil and other commodities fell the trade balance came to a deficit of 4324 billion yen 320 billion versus the median estimate for a 6138 billion yen shortfall 1  1350500 yen