While total trade volume grew 6 percent last year, imports from China grew by 15 percent while exports to China were down 4 percent. 4 trading partner last year, behind the U.S., France and the Netherlands, with a total trade volume of 163 billion euros ($183 billion). Speaking to visiting German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Li appeared eager to counter criticisms that a glut of Chinese steel exports is overwhelming producers in overseas markets including Germany, Britain and the United States. Her visit comes amid growing worries among German companies over obstacles they face in doing business with China. Some in Germany also nurse doubts about Chinese purchases of German companies, including Chinese appliance maker Midea's $5.2 billion takeover offer for German industrial robot maker Kuka.

Source: ABC News June 13, 2016 04:36 UTC