BEIJING (AP) — China’s import growth recovered slightly in September but was weak, suggesting that a recovery for the world’s second-largest economy from a painful slump has yet to take hold.

Imports rose 2.4 percent, an improvement over August’s unexpected 2.6 percent contraction but well below the government’s 10 percent target for overall trade growth this year, customs data showed Saturday. Exports rose by a relatively robust 9.9 percent despite economic problems in Europe and the United States.