According to customs figures released on Sunday, China's foreign trade in August reached $352.7 billion, an increase of 7.1 percent over the same month last year. Imports and exports saw steady growth, raising hopes that the global trade environment is starting to pick up.

According to the General Administration of Customs, China's exports rose 7.2 percent year on year to over $190 billion in August. Imports also rose, gaining 7 percent to more than $160 billion. The country's trade surplus widened by 8.3 percent year on year to $28.5 billion in August, as export gains outpaced imports.

"Exports in August increased 2.1 percent compared with July, which means global market demand is also rising. It's a positive sign of the steady growth of China's exports," said Zheng Yuesheng, director of Statistics Division, General Administration of Customs.

Customs figures showed that while China was consolidating its trade with traditional developed markets, the country was also strengthening its trade ties with emerging economies.

"Overall, China's foreign trade market diversification achieved certain goals, which effectively promote the steady growth of China's foreign trade," Zheng said.

Zheng also says that due to a series of measures to stimulate foreign trade and structural adjustments, China's foreign trade is expected to achieve steady progress in the second half of the year. The quality and efficiency of foreign trade growth will also be improved.

(CNTV.cn September 8, 2013)