China's February Exports Jump 45.7 Percent

China's exports grew strongly in February in a new sign of a rebound in global demand, government figures showed Wednesday.

Exports were up 45.7 percent in February over a year earlier, the Chinese customs agency reported, beating forecasts by private sector analysts of 35 to 40 percent growth.

Imports also were up strongly, rising by 44.7 percent in February from a year earlier, the agency said, reflecting China's revival from the global economic crisis.

China's trade figures can be distorted by the weeklong Lunar New Year holiday, which falls at varying times in January and February.

Combining data from the two months, which analysts say produces a more accurate picture of trade conditions, shows exports surged 31.4 percent in the January-February period over the same time last year.

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