2010 imports and exports reached a historical high in a strong sign that the country's trade sector has shrugged off the global economic recession.

Data released by the General Administration of Customs shows that China's exports rose 31.3 percent in 2010 from a year earlier. Imports also increased by 38.7 percent, leaving the country with a trade surplus of 183 billion US dollars. And that narrows the trade surplus by 6.4 percent compared with 2009.

China's overall trade volume rallied 21.4 percent in December alone. Experts say both the export and import figures exceed the country's 2008 record.