BEIJING, Nov. 10 (Xinhua) -- China's imports and exports in October both dropped from September as uncertainties in the United States and Europe cut external demands, the General Administration of Customs (GAC) said Thursday.

China's foreign trade in October this year fell 8.3 percent from September to 297.95 billion U.S. dollars but still rose 21.6 percent year-on-year, according to GAC data.

Exports weakened 7.2 percent month-on-month to 157.49 billion U.S. dollars in October, while imports dropped 9.5 percent month-on-month to 140.46 billion U.S. dollars.

Trade surplus amounted to 17.03 billion U.S. dollars, down 36.5 percent year-on-year.

On a yearly basis, exports were up 15.9 percent, while imports expanded 28.7 percent year-on-year, the GAC said in a statement on its website.