China's exports rose 12.4 percent year-on-year in March, beating analysts' expectations as the world's second largest economy braces for an intensifying trade war with the United States.

Customs data also showed on Monday that imports contracted 4.3 percent.

Export growth last month was driven by Chinese factories rushing out shipments ahead of US President Donald Trump's sweeping tariffs announced on April 2.

Lyu Daliang, a spokesman for the General Administration of Customs, said China is facing a severe and complex external situation, but that the sky would not fall.

"In recent years, China has actively diversified its markets and deepened industrial and supply chain cooperation with partners worldwide. This has not only fuelled the development of other economies, but also strengthened our own resilience," he said.

"Moreover, China's vast domestic market serves as a crucial stabilising force. We will remain steadfast in focusing on our own priorities, using our internal certainty to navigate external uncertainties."

Trump has ramped up duties on Chinese goods to eye-watering levels of 145 percent, prompting Beijing to raise retaliatory tariffs on US imports. (Agencies)