China's exports and imports grew in April as domestic and global demand picked up, giving a boost to the world's second-biggest economy.

Figures from the General Administration of Customs show that exports grew 1.5 percent from April last year, in line with analysts' expectations, after contracting sharply to 7.5 percent in March.

Imports in April surged 8.4 percent – nearly double market estimates – after falling by 1.9 percent in the previous month.

Meanwhile, imports from the United States jumped by nine percent, while exports fell by nearly three percent.

China's trade surplus rose to US$72.35 billion from US$58.55 billion in March. (Agencies)