Chinese exports rebounded sharply in May as the world’s second-largest economy gradually recovered from coronavirus restrictions, factories resumed production and eased supply chain problems.

Exports increased by 16.9% compared to the previous year, according to data announced by the General Administration of Customs.

This exceeded the growth of 8% expected by economists, and is much higher than the increase of 3.9% in April, which was the lowest in the last two years.

Imports rose 4.1% last month, after remaining unchanged in April. Economists expected imports to rise 2.5% in May.

The trade surplus stood at $ 78.8 billion in May, higher than the $ 59.5 billion analysts had expected.

In April, China recorded $ 51.1 billion.