China has reported that its exports rose a less-than-expected 2.3% in January and February from a year earlier while imports fell more than 8% in a slow start to a year dogged by uncertainty over U.S.

China's exports in the January-February period increased just 2.3% year-on-year by value, while imports unexpectedly contracted 8.4%, customs data showed on Friday. A Reuters poll of economists had forecast a 5% expansion in exports and a 1% increase in imports.

Despite external challenges, China's foreign trade demonstrated solid performance, structural improvements and resilience in the first two months of 2025, according to data released by the General Administration of Customs (GAC).