But the world's second-largest economy is looking up thanks to prompt actions from the central government. Among them was a guideline unveiled in May from the State Council, China's Cabinet, to support foreign trade through tax breaks, easy financing and efficient customs clearance.

Zheng expects export growth to accelerate in the third quarter as the global economy will gradually pick up and China's stabilizing measures will continue to take effect.

Wang predicted that trade growth will be between 5 percent and 10 percent in the next few months, with moderate fluctuation likely but no substantial increase.

China is seeking new engines for its foreign trade. The China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone is thriving since it was founded in October 2013, cooperation centered on the Silk Road Economic Belt and 21st Century Maritime Silk Road has made steady progress, and free trade agreement negotiations are accelerating all around the world.

The less-developed central and western parts of China also brought new hope to the country's foreign trade. Their eighteen provincial-level regions posted a trade volume of 1.6 trillion yuan ($260 billion) in the first half, and, most importantly, grew at a striking pace of 17.5 percent.

A large proportion of export-oriented labor-intensive industries have become robust again in China's central and western regions with lower operation and labor costs.

However, Zheng admitted there will be "arduous tasks" ahead to meet the trade growth target of 7.5 percent this year, as the country is still confronted with a grim and complicated situation.

Although developed countries may have turned the corner, weak performances from emerging economies like Russia and India will create uncertainties for China's exports, Wang added.

Top 10 global shipping centers	Top 10 trading partners of the Chinese mainland