BEIJING -- China's foreign trade showed stronger signs of recovery buoyed by the upbeat demands from the United States and the emerging markets.

Exports increased 21.8 percent year-on-year to $139.37 billion in February, while imports fell 15.2 percent to $124.12 billion. the General Administration of Customs (GAC) said Friday.

Trade surplus expanded to $15.2 billion from a deficit of $31.98 billion a year earlier.

But the GAC also pointed out that allowing for the seasonally-adjusted factors, that is to say in February China had four less working days than January as the Spring Festival holiday fell in February this year, exports rose 20.6 percent while imports climbed 6.5 percent.