In spite of the global shipping crisis reports say China’s exports rose 25.6% in August from a year ago to $294.3 billion, according to customs statistics published earlier this month. Imports jumped 33.1% over the same period to $236 billion. Both figures are records. However, challenges to trade including the shutdown of the port of Ningbo-Zhoushan, China in July due to a dock worker testing positive for Covid remain a concern. It is the world’s third largest container port. The port was for weeks after the worker was tested positive. That sent ripples that experts say could make the backlog at Chinese ports worse and add another chink in the supply chain links. A larger Covid outbreak in China is being reported now.