Oil prices were mostly flat today as markets weighed new economic data from China against increasing supply from the Western Hemisphere. China’s import and export growth beat estimates, suggesting global trade is turning a corner. Despite the positive days overall crude imports to China have been falling. “The import numbers were down substantially because they are not willing to pay full price for barrels,” said Bob Yawger, director of energy futures at Mizuho. The lack of Chinese demand failed to impress the market, he said. Brent was flat today at $82.96. WTI traded down $0.20 to close at $78.93.