U.S. stocks opened slightly higher on Tuesday after strong Chinese trade data eased concerns over a slowdown in the world's second-largest economy and suggested strength in global demand.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> added 19.90 points, or 0.16 percent, at 12,704.58. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> was up 2.91 points, or 0.22 percent, at 1,349.20. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> put on 7.91 points, or 0.28 percent, at 2,851.16.

(Reporting by Caroline Valetkevitch)

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