China's exports grew more than expected in December on global recovery but the pace of expansion slowed from November.

Exports grew 10.9 percent year-on-year in December, data from the General Administration of Customs showed Friday, cited by rttnews.

The annual rate was faster than the expected 10 percent but slower than the 12.3 percent increase registered in November.

Imports climbed 4.5 percent annually, which was much weaker than the 14.8 percent increase economists' had forecast and November's 17.7 percent rise.

As a result, the trade surplus rose to $54.69 billion in December, while it was forecast to fall to $37.4 billion.