At the close, the Shanghai Composite index was down 0.48 per cent at 3,396.47, its third day of losses. The blue-chip CSI300 index ended down 0.16 per cent, turning lower from midday gains.
The financial sector sub-index fell 0.44 per cent, the real estate index dipped 0.89 per cent and the consumer discretionary sector slumped 2.45 per cent.
China’s exports grew strongly in March on improving global demand as COVID-19 vaccinations progress, and import growth hit a four-year high, adding to signs of a solidifying recovery in the world’s second-largest economy.
Investor concerns that a recovering economy could prompt policy tightening have been a consistent drag on A-shares in recent weeks, despite officials emphasising policy continuity.
China should avoid credit contraction and keep inflation expectations from intensifying, the 21st Century Business Herald quoted central bank policy adviser Wang Yiming as saying on Tuesday.
Wang’s words followed comments from Sun Guofeng, head of the monetary policy department at the People’s Bank of China, who said Monday that China will maintain continuity, stability and sustainability of its economic policies.
The smaller Shenzhen index ended down 0.17 per cent and the start-up board ChiNext Composite index was higher by 0.842 per cent.
Around the region, MSCI’s Asia ex-Japan stock index was barely changed, while Japan’s Nikkei index closed up 0.72 per cent.
