China's exports surged 36.3% in September from a year earlier, its customs agency said Wednesday, AP, CNBC and Reuters reported. The jump beat economists' expectations and was stronger than August's 25% rise, AP reported.

Reuters said economists had expected growth of 25.5%. It was the fastest export growth since February, CNBC and Reuters reported.

Imports climbed 31% in September, up from August's 28.2% rise, AP and CNBC reported. China still recorded a $133.5 billion trade surplus for the month, up from $119.1 billion in August, AP reported.

"The resulting trade surplus of $133.5 billion, a record monthly high, underscores the continued strength of China's external sector despite lingering concerns over domestic demand," Hao Zhou, chief economist at Guotai Junan International Holdings, said in a note, CNBC reported.

China's trade surplus reached $938.11 billion in the first nine months of the year, Reuters reported. That puts the country on course to pass $1 trillion sooner than last year unless exports slow sharply in the last quarter, Reuters said. AP said China is on track to surpass last year's record trade surplus.

High-tech goods, including semiconductors and cars, helped drive the rise in shipments overseas, AP reported. China's exports to the U.S. grew by nearly 39.6% in September, CNBC reported, citing customs data accessed via Wind Information.

The strong numbers come as pressure grows from trading partners, including the European Union, for China to rebalance its trade, AP reported. Robust overseas demand is helping offset weak consumer spending at home, Reuters reported, and that eases pressure on Beijing to meet this year's growth goal.

What we know: China's exports rose 36.3% in September, and its nine-month trade surplus is about $938 billion.
What we don't: Whether exports will slow in the last three months of the year as trading partners push back.