BEIJING (Reuters) -China’s exports unexpectedly slumped in October as overseas orders tapered off following months of front-loading to beat President Donald Trump’s tariffs, and as buyers watched to see how a volatile month in U.S.-China trade ties would play out.

Outbound shipments from China shrank 1.1% last month, the worst performance since February, customs data showed on Friday, reversing from a 8.3% rise in September, and missing a forecast for 3.0% growth in a Reuters poll.

The figure was affected by a high base from last October when exports grew at their fastest pace in over two years, as factories began rushing inventory to major markets in anticipation of Trump’s triumphant return to the White House.

Imports also expanded at a much slower 1.0% pace, compared to 7.4% growth i

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