China's total trade rose to a record high in 2022. A major driver was a surge in its value of exports.

Customs authorities say the figure combining exports and imports increased 4.4 percent from the previous year to 6.3 trillion dollars.

Trade with Russia saw a big jump. It was up nearly 30 percent to an all-time high of 190 billion dollars. The neighbors have been expanding their trade in energy and other areas, while Western nations tighten economic sanctions over Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Total exports were up 7 percent. Shipments to the United States and Europe were brisk in the first half of 2022. Goods headed to Southeast Asia have also been expanding.

Imports grew, but by just over 1 percent. The government's strict "zero-COVID" policy and a property market slump dampened domestic demand.

Furthermore, exports have been declining every month for the past three months, year on year. US- and Europe- bound shipments are falling, raising concerns for the Chinese economy.