In another sign that the global economic recovery is gaining momentum, China's exports rose more than expected in April, suggesting that its trade performance could last longer than expected this year, boosted by global fiscal stimulus.

Exports grew by 32.3% and imports increased by 43.1%, a sign of strong domestic demand and rising commodity prices, resulting in higher-than-expected growth in the trade surplus of US$42.85 billion for the month.

Global appetite for Chinese goods remained strong in April, thanks to stimulus packages introduced by developed economies that helped fuel demand for household goods, furniture, and electronic devices. With the acceleration of vaccine rollouts and the opening up of more economies, China's export growth was expected to moderate this year as consumers begin to spend more on services, but April's data shows that this has not yet happened.

Copper imports in particular remain strong, above the averages for the last 10 years.