China's exports and imports in December declined at the worst rates in two years, adding to evidence of a rapid slowdown in the economy amid the trade war with the US and weakening global activity.

Exports dropped 4.4 percent year-on-year in December, according to rttnews. That was in contrast to the 3 percent gain economists had predicted.

Imports decreased 7.6 percent from a year ago, defying expectations for a 5 percent rise.

Both exports and imports outcome was the worst since 2016. In December, the trade surplus was $57.1 billion.