BEIJING — China's import growth accelerated in May in a sign the world's second-largest economy might not be slowing as sharply as some fear, while exports weakened amid slower global demand.

Imports rose 28.4 percent over a year ago, up from April's 21.8 percent growth rate and beating most forecasts, data showed Friday. Export growth eased to 19.4 percent from April's 29.9 percent.

“Today's trade data should go some way to ease fears that China's economy is heading for a hard landing,” said Capital Economics analyst Mark Williams in a report.

TOKYO — Toyota forecasts its annual profit to dive 31 percent, hammered by production disruptions from parts shortages, but its outlook Friday projects a robust recovery from the earthquake and tsunami in coming months.Toyota Motor Corp. had not given an earnings forecast earlier because of uncertainties about its production outlook after the March 11 disaster wiped out key parts suppliers in northeastern Japan.Toyota forecast a $3.5 billion profit for the fiscal year through March 2012, down from 408 billion yen for the previous fiscal year.