China's exports experienced a significant surge of over 20% in January and February, defying trade tensions with the United States and setting the nation on pace to surpass its previous annual trade surplus record.

• Exports jumped by more than 20% in the first two months of the year, nearly triple economists' predictions.
• The Chinese government (Beijing) announced the figures ahead of an expected visit by US President Donald Trump to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
• Strong demand for electronics, alongside increased shipments of agricultural and manufactured goods, boosted exports, while trade with European and Asean countries also grew substantially, though exports to the US fell over 10%.