China's trade in the first half of the year grew 8 percent to hit $1,839.8 billion, the General Administration of Customs said on July 10 at a news conference.

China's exports grew 9.2 percent, while imports grew 6.7 percent in the first half.

Trade surplus increased 56.4 percent to reach $68.9 billion.

The result, though short of the 10 percent annual growth target set by the Commerce Ministry, is better than previously expected, especially because trade growth dipped to 2.7 percent in April.

However, the figure rebounded in May, when trade volume grew 14.1 percent. The rebound continued in June, with trade volume growing 9 percent.

In June, China's exports grew 11.3 percent to $180.2 billion, while imports grew 6.3 percent to $148.5 billion.

In the first half, the United States overtook the European Union as the largest export destination for China.