Imports meanwhile fell 12.3% in yuan terms compared to forecasts for a fall of more than 11%.
The numbers mean the country's monthly trade surplus has shrunk to its smallest in 13 months.
China's economy grew by 7.4% in 2014, its weakest for almost 25 years.
Analysts said recent indicators showed further signs the slowdown is continuing.
In US dollar terms, China's exports for the month fell 15%, while imports fell 12.7%.
Currency conversion factors based on US dollar and Chinese yuan movements over the last year mean some official numbers from the mainland are now reported in both currencies.