China's exports grew at roughly twice the rate expected in September while imports expanded, suggesting government measures to prop up economic growth are working.
Customs data showed exports in September grew 9.9% from the previous September.
Imports rose 2.4% in September.
The trade surplus was $US 27.7 billion in September, compared with August's $26.7 billion.
An economist at Huarong Securities in Beijing said it appeared a slide in China's economic growth has been arrested.
However analysts say the outlook for China's trade remains tough as the debt crisis festers in Europe - the single biggest overseas market for Chinese goods - and because of a slower than expected recovery in the United States.
