China Oil Imports Jump 22% Even as Economic Data Disappoints

China began the third quarter with weaker-than-expected key economic indicators, raising additional concerns about the health of its economy and its demand for crude oil in the coming months. Retail sales increased by just 0.

6% in July from a year earlier, down from 1% annual growth in June, official Chinese data showed on Monday. Retail sales last month came in well below the analyst estimate of 1. 5% growth in a Reuters poll, despite summer tourism spending.