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, driven by global fiscal stimulus.

Exports grew by 32.3% and imports rose by 43.1%, a sign of strong domestic demand and rising commodity prices, resulting in a larger-than-expected trade surplus of US$42,850 million for the month.

Global demand for Chinese products 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 reopening 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 show that this has not yet happened.

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