China's Ministry of Commerce has released the country's latest trade figures, which saw exports continuing to gain steam, while imports cooled.

Exports rose 7 percent in May from a year earlier, totaling at 195 billion U.S. dollars. That dwarfs April's 0.9 percent rise. But imports fell 1.6 percent versus a rise in April, falling to about 159 billion U.S. dollars.

China’s exports are benefiting from a firmer global market, especially from ASEAN countries.

Another highlight has been mechanical, electrical and high-tech exports, which all recorded positive growth, the first time in four months.