Mubasher: China’s trade surplus reached $23.92 billion in March, with a slight decrease compared to the preliminary reading of $23.93 billion, according to data released by the General Administration of Customs (GAC) on Sunday.

Imports priced in US dollars surged 20.3%, while exports increased 16.4%.

Early in February, China had reported a monthly trade deficit for the first time in three years, with imports rising at the fastest rate since 2012, supported by the strong demand on raw materials such as iron ore, crude oil, and coal.

Year-on-year, China's exports fell unexpectedly by 1.3% in February, while imports increased 38.1%.