Growth in Chinese exports and imports outstripped expectations in June, data showed Thursday, fuelling hopes of stability in the world's second-largest economy.

Exports rose 11.3 percent from a year ago to $196.59 billion, the customs administration said, topping a Bloomberg News forecast of 8.9 percent.

Imports were up 17.2 percent year-on-year -- compared with an expected increase of  14.5 percent -- to $153.83 billion, lifting the trade surplus to $42.76 billion.

The latest data could soothe concerns that the Chinese economy is losing momentum as Beijing clamps down on free-wheeling credit and property purchases that have been key drivers of growth for years.

It also comes ahead of US-China talks in Washington next week where they are expected to assess the results of a 100-day action plan aimed at improving trade ties between the economic rivals.