BEIJING-- China's exports surged 24.5 percent year-on-year in August to reach $173.31 billion, the General Administration of Customs announced Saturday.

Imports expanded at 30.2 percent to $155.56 billion, a record high since March this year, according to figures released by the customs authority.

Trade surplus for the month stood at $17.75 billion, which was down from July's $31.48 billion.