China's exports jumped 12.4% in March from a year earlier as companies rushed to beat increases in U.S. tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump, the government said Monday. Imports fell 4.3%, the customs administration reported.

China's exports likely picked up pace in March, as factories rushed out shipments ahead of U.S. President Donald Trump's sweeping tariffs this month, though the broadening trade war with the United States has darkened the economic outlook.

U.S. importers express deepening worry as they brace for the impact of President Trump's 145% levy on Chinese imports.