tianamen childChinaFotoPress/ChinaFotoPress via Getty Images
Chinese trade data for March has come in mixed with a surge in exports partially offset by continued weakness in imports. 
According to China’s customs department, exports grew by 11.5% in US dollar denominated terms from March 2015, easily beating expectations for an increase of 2.5%. 
The gain — following a 24.5% collapse in the 12 months to February which was the steepest decline since May 2009 — marked the fastest annual growth seen since February 2015. It was also the first time since June last year that a year-on-year increase was reported.
While exports outperformed, imports continued to disappoint, falling 13.8% from 12 month earlier. The contraction, unchanged from February, missed expectations for a smaller decline of 10.2%. 
Despite the rebound in exports reported during the month, the national trade surplus narrowed to $29.86 billion, the smallest seen since March 2015. It was slightly below expectations for a decrease to $30.85 billion.
The chart below tracks the annual change in imports and exports, along with China’s monthly trade balance.
China trade data March 2016Business Insider Australia
Read the original article on Business Insider Australia. Copyright 2016. Follow Business Insider Australia on Twitter.