China posted a surge in exports and imports in May, signalling improvement in the world's number two economy, but there were warnings Beijing would struggle to maintain its momentum.

The readings will come as a relief after a series of weak readings suggesting a recent pick-up could be fizzling, while there are also lingering concerns about US President Donald Trump's protectionist rhetoric.

Exports rose 8.7pc on-year to $191bn (£147bn) while imports jumped 14.8pc to $150.2bn.

The data were far better than the 7.2pc rise in exports and 8.3pc increase in imports predicted by analysts in a survey by Bloomberg News. The trade surplus rose to $40.8bn, up $2bn from April.