ANKARA

Chinese exports increased more than the market forecast in April, shifting from a decline in March, according to data released on Thursday.

China's overseas shipments grew 1.5% year-on-year to $292.4 billion in April, above the market expectation of a 1% hike, data from the General Administration of Customs showed.

Imports surged 8.4% from last year to $220.1 billion, reversing from March's 1.9% decrease.

China's trade surplus dropped to $72.4 billion from $86.5 billion in the same period last year.

In the first four months of the year, China saw a $255.7 billion surplus, with exports and imports rising by 1.5% and 3.2%, respectively.