China's exports increased at a slower pace in August on softening global demand, while imports growth exceeded expectations.

Exports increased 5.5 percent year-on-year in August, slower than July's initially estimated 7.2 percent growth, data from the General Administration of Customs revealed Friday, cited by rttnews. Shipments were forecast to grow 6 percent.

At the same time, imports advanced 13.3 percent annually, faster than the expected growth of 10 percent.

As a result, the trade surplus totaled $42 billion in August versus the expected level of $48.5 billion.

The trade surplus with the US rose to $26.2 billion as exports gained 8.4 percent.