China's exports experienced a significant surge in May, with an increase of 7.6% year-over-year in dollar terms, according to data released by the customs administration. This marked a rebound from the 1.5% increase seen in April and exceeded expectations of a 5.7% expansion.
The trade surplus for the month also widened to almost $83 billion, up from $72.4 billion in April.
Exports to Southeast Asia saw a notable increase of 22.5%, marking the highest monthly growth since March 2023. Shipments to the US also reported a rise of 3.6% for the first year-on-year increase in three months.
China's export growth was driven by robust demand from Southeast Asia and a lower base effect, offering hope that the economy can maintain momentum despite trade tensions.
Exports of integrated circuits rose by 28.47% year-on-year, while hi-tech products saw an increase of 8.1%. The value of car shipments also surged by 16.63%, and the value of ship exports increased by a significant 57.1%.
Despite the positive export figures, China's imports only rose by 1.8% year-on-year in May, compared to an increase of 8.4% in April.
Analysts expect imports to increase in the coming months due to a fresh wave of fiscal support and rising demand for industrial commodities.
China's export growth had fallen for the first time in seven years in 2023, but the latest data suggests that it is rebounding amid heightening trade frictions.