China's Jan trade figures surge, raising questions

CHINA's trade data surged last month, potentially pointing to a stronger-than-expected economy, but has left many analysts scratching their heads wondering why.

The value of China's total exports climbed 10.6 per cent in January from a year earlier, the Customs Administration said, more than five times market forecasts of a 2-per cent rise.

The value of imports jumped 10 per cent from a year ago, a pace not seen since July and beating market predictions of a 3-per cent gain.