The outlook for exports in the second half is not optimistic, and prospects for the full year have become more challenging, Shen Danyang, spokesman for the Ministry of Commerce, said on Wednesday.

"We have to overcome many difficulties to reach this year's trade growth target, but that does not mean we will miss it," Shen said.

"The State Council is ready to roll out trade-support measures, which will lower export costs as well as boost new competitive edges with technology, brand, quality and services."