1. China's exports in May rose 19.4% year-on-year in dollar terms, surpassing expectations, while imports climbed 27.4%, according to customs data released Tuesday [para. 1][para. 2]. The trade surplus widened to $105.4 billion [para. 2]. Both growth figures exceeded the Caixin survey forecast of average export growth of 13.3% and import growth of 23.8% [para. 3].2. The export surge was driven by strong global demand for AI infrastructure, particularly high-tech products [para. 1][para. 4]. Integrated circuits and automatic data processing equipment posted the fastest growth, rising 110.9% and 66.1% respectively, though integrated circuit export volumes rose only modestly, indicating price effects [para. 4].3. Among other sectors, autos, ships and mobile phones saw solid gains, while household appliances and general machinery lagged [para. 5]. Labor-intensive exports, including apparel, remained weak [para. 5].4. By market, exports to the U.S. rose sharply, supported partly by a low base [para. 6]. Shipments to ASEAN, Japan, Africa and Russia accelerated, while growth to the EU and Latin America moderated [para. 6].5. On the import side, crude oil volumes fell but higher prices lifted values [para. 7]. Demand for integrated circuits and automatic data processing equipment remained strong [para. 7].AI generated, for reference only