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)