China's exports registered better-than-expected performance in 2012, the 7.9 percent growth year-on-year, prompting optimists to predict an even better performance this year.

But considering the external and domestic situations, policymakers should prepare for the slow growth to continue this year.

Although the US economy is recovering, albeit slowly, and the loose monetary policies of major world economies will bolster better prospects for demand, the uncertainties caused by the bipartisan bickering in the United States over the debt ceiling and the ongoing European debt crisis will offset the trade-support measures already launched by the world's largest exporter.