Beijing, Jumada I 13, 1438, Feb 10, 2017, SPA -- China's exports rose 7.9 per cent in January compared to the same month last year, reaching 183 billion dollars, Chinese customs data showed Friday. According to dpa, imports also jumped 16.7 per cent for the month, reaching 131 billion dollars. Total trade grew 11.4 per cent compared to January 2016, reaching 314 billion dollars. The numbers are a positive sign for the Chinese economy, after exports contracted by 6.1 per cent in December, according to government data. When calculated in Chinese currency, exports rose by 15.9 per cent and imports jumped by 25.2 per cent in January. In 2016, China's exports decreased 7.7 per cent compared with 2015. The economy registered growth of 6.7 per cent, the weakest rate since 1990. --SPA 12:03 LOCAL TIME 09:03 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/w329549