China's trade surplus in May stood at US$13 billion, with a
year-on-year rise of 44 percent, said sources with the General
Administration of Customs (GAC).
A report from the Customs office said China's exports grew by
25.7 percent year on year to US$347.3 billion in the first five
months, while imports were worth US$300.5 billion, up 22 percent
from a year ago.
The recorded trade volume in May was US$133.2 billion, an
increase of 23.6 percent.
Exports in May reached US$73.1 billion, growing 25.1 percent,
while imports reached US$60.1 billion, up 21.7 percent.
The European Union remains China's top trading partner with
bilateral trade in the first five months growing 20.2 percent year
on year to US$98.33 billion.
The United States is China's second largest trading partner with
the trade volume reaching US$97.37 billion. Japan is China's third
largest trader with volume reaching US$79.13 billion in May.
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) remains
China's fourth largest trading partner with bilateral trade growing
by 21.6 percent year on year to US$59.04 billion.
(Xinhua News Agency?June 13, 2006)