Economists had predicted a 12% rise in exports compared to last year and a fall of up to 3% in imports, the BBC reports. However, official data recorded exports were 15.3% higher than last year, while imports rose 7%.

At the same time, the trade surplus decreased more than the anticipated, to $31bn. In August, the trade surplus was $49.8bn.

Concerns over a China slowdown have focused attention on the economic data in recent months. 

In September, China’s central bank revealed plans to inject a fresh round of capital into its banking system.

The People’s Bank of China plans to inject 500 billion yuan (£50bn) into the country’s largest banks in the latest move yet to halt China’s economic slowdown.