China's trade growth exceeded market expectations last month, taking the edge off worries about a slowdown in the world's second-largest economy.

Analysts contend that exports will continue to improve this year. That trend will support moderate economic expansion while leaving room for the leadership to restructure the growth model away from a heavy reliance on investment and exports to one based on domestic demand.

Last month, exports rose 10.6 percent to $207.13 billion, much faster than the 4.3 percent rise in December, the General Administration of Customs said on Wednesday.