A poll of 50 economists conducted by Reuters is suggesting that China's third quarter GDP is likely to slow to 6.8 percent, down from 7 percent in the second quarter.

Workers are producing goods in a factory in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province. [File Photo: zol.com.cn]

That would be the weakest pace of expansion since the first quarter of 2009, when it tumbled to 6.2 percent.

Wednesday's official data shows that China's consumer inflation cooled more than expected in September while producer prices extended their slide to a 43rd straight month.

Earlier trade data shows China's exports fell less than expected in September, with monthly figures showing recovery.

However, a sharper fall in imports left economists divided over whether China's trade sector is showing signs of turning around.

The official third quarter GDP will be released next week with a series of indicators including factory output, fixed-asset investment and retail sales.

Analysts will be looking for signs as to whether momentum is still fading or if the economy may be slowly stabilizing.

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