China's trade performance has continued to deteriorate with both imports and exports falling much more rapidly than forecast.

In terms of the local currency, the renminbi imports fell 16 per cent in October, compared to the same time last year.

In September they were down 18 per cent.

Imports have now fallen for 12 consecutive months, reflecting an ongoing weakness in the domestic economy.

Exports weakened again, falling 3.6 per cent in October, following another fall in September.

With imports falling faster than exports, the total trade surplus has tumbled by 8 per cent in the first 10 months this year compared to official target of 6 per cent growth.

But China's overall trade surplus still remained at a robust $US61.6 billion.

Exports to the US and Australia have been growth areas — up 5.8 per cent and 3.7 per cent respectively over the year to date — while exports to key markets in Europe, Japan and Hong Kong have all fallen.

'Savage' trade performance in Australian-dominated commodities

ANZ chief economist in China Li-Gang Liu said the figures showed China's export sector would continue to face significant headwinds.

Dr Liu pointed out while the renminbi had depreciated by more than 2 per cent since August, China's nominal effective exchange rate remained strong, damaging export competitiveness.

"A moderate economic recovery in advanced economies could lend some support to global final demand, but this is unlikely to help China's exports much because of large devaluation of other emerging market currencies," Dr Liu said.

Some of the most savage declines have been in commodities dominated by Australian exporters.

Coal imports are down almost 30 per cent in volume, and 40 per cent in value in the year to date.

The weakening trade performance followed China's economic growth in the September quarter falling below 7 per cent for the first time since the GFC, and the Communist Party lowering it growth target to 6.5 per cent over the next five years.

Dr Liu said the large trade surplus could offset capital outflow and curb the expected depreciation of the renimbi.

While the expected move by the US Federal Reserve to start raising interest rates later this year may put the renminbi under pressure, Dr Liu said Chinese authorities were likely to support their currency in the short term as it lobbies to be included in the IMF's basket of international currencies.

The next key Chinese economic figures on inflation will be released on Tuesday, while a batch of data including retail sales, industrial production and fixed asset investment will be out on Wednesday.