China's exports likely picked up pace in March, as factories rushed out shipments ahead of U.S. President Donald Trump's sweeping tariffs this month, though the broadening trade war with the United States has darkened the economic outlook.

President Trump's tariffs on imports from dozens of countries kicked in Wednesday, including 104% on goods from China, dramatically ramping up a potential global trade war.

Beijing announced a new round of 50 percent tariffs in response to President Trump’s latest levies as the trade conflict between the superpowers escalates.