BEIJING, Jan 10 (Reuters) - China's exports grew 14.1 percent in December from a year ago to

hit a seven-month peak, data showed on Thursday, rebounding from three-month lows and racing

past market expectations for a 4 percent rise.

Imports grew 6 percent on the year in December, also handily beating market forecasts for a

3 percent rise and quickening from zero growth in November.

That left the country with a trade surplus of $31.6 billion in December, compared with a

forecast of $19.7 billion and November's $19.6 billion.

Export and import growth (y/y pct change)

Dec Nov Oct Sept Aug Jul Jun May Apr Mar Feb Jan Dec

Exp 14.1 2.9 11.6 9.9 2.7 1.0 11.3 15.3 4.9 8.9 18.4 -0.5 13.4

Imp 6 0 2.4 2.4 -2.6 4.7 6.3 12.7 0.3 5.3 39.6 -15.3 11.8

(Reporting by Shao Xiaoyi and Koh Gui Qing)

Keywords: CHINA ECONOMY/TRADE

(xiaoyi.shao@thomsonreuters.com)(+8610-66271221)(Reuters Messaging: xiaoyi.shao.reuters.com@reuters.net)

COPYRIGHT

Copyright Thomson Reuters 2013. All rights reserved.

The copying, republication or redistribution of Reuters News Content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Thomson Reuters.