China's trade surplus rose to its highest on record in the combined January-February period, surpassing expectations. The country's trade balance surged to $213.62 billion, compared with expectations of $179.6 billion and up from the 114.1 billion seen in December. Exports from China rose by 21.8% year on year, beating the 7.1% growth expected by economists. Imports also rose by 19.8%, against expectations of a 6.3% growth. The figures demonstrate China's resilience despite ongoing trade tensions with the U.S. The trade figures came after China's consumer inflation recorded its largest jump in over three years.