The world's second-largest economy produced a record-breaking trade surplus last year at $1.2 trillion.

Booming overseas shipments appeared set to continue this year after surging by more than a fifth in January and February combined.

However, China's exports grew just 2.5 percent on-year in March, according to data published Tuesday by the General Administration of Customs.

The slowdown was more pronounced than expected, with a Bloomberg forecast of 8.6 percent growth based on a survey of economists.

Exports to the United States also plunged last month, hit by blistering tariffs launched by President Donald Trump.

Shipments to the United States tumbled 26.5 percent on-year to $29.4 billion in March, the customs data showed.

In a more positive sign for China's economy, imports soared 27.8 percent, according to the figures. That was higher than a forecast of 14 percent growth by Bloomberg.

The readings come at an uncertain time for international trade, with energy costs skyrocketing as a result of war between the United States and Iran.

Experts say China's diversified energy supply insulates it from immediate shocks, though any global economic downturn would eventually weaken demand for its exports.