Zhong Shan, China's deputy commerce minister, said China faces a challenging trade outlook this year and the work will be arduous, according to a statement on the ministry's website late on Wednesday.

Zhong said, during recent visits to China's export hubs of Guangdong and Jiangsu provinces, that the country is confronted with challenges, including weak world economic recovery, increased trade friction and weakening advantages, as well as opportunities such as warming global demand, strengthening comprehensive competitiveness and an improving trade environment.

Zhong called for exporters to create new advantages supported by technology, brands, quality and services, which will sustain trade growth and improve the quality offered by the world's largest goods trader.

China replaced the United States to become the world's largest goods trader in 2013 with combined exports and imports rising 7.6 percent year-on-year to $4.16 trillion, according to the ministry.