China's imports fell in March for the first time in 19 months, mainly as a result of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Customs authorities said on Wednesday the value of imports declined 0.1 percent last month from a year earlier to 228 billion dollars.

Factories across China suspended operations and reduced output due to a rise in infections. Logistics were disrupted in some regions.

Meanwhile, exports rose 14.7 percent, to 276 billion dollars. Shipments to Europe and the United States were brisk.

China's trade with Russia had been expanding sharply. But exports fell 7 percent last month, an apparent reflection of the economic impact of the invasion of Ukraine.