'Big surprise' as September exports rise by 15.3 percent

China's foreign trade saw a stronger-than-expected rebound in September, indicating improved external demand and stabilization of the sharp growth deceleration in previous months, customs data showed on Monday.

Exports increased by 15.3 percent year-on-year to $213.7 billion, beating analysts' expectations of 12 percent. Imports rose by 7 percent from the previous year to $182.7 billion, compared with an estimated 2 to 4 percent fall.

Analysts described the latest trade data as the "big upside surprise" and said the significant rebound will help ease concerns over weakness in China's economic growth.