Chinese trade growth slowed significantly in July compared to the previous month, official data showed Tuesday, coming in well below expectations after months of steady momentum.

Exports rose 7.2 percent year-on-year to $193.65 billion, the customs administration said, undershooting a Bloomberg News forecast of 11 percent.

Imports were up 11 percent year-on-year -- compared with an expected increase of 18 percent -- to $146.9 billion, lifting the trade surplus to $46.74 billion.