Hong Kong | China's exports picked up pace in May, rising 19.4% from a year earlier, its customs agency said Tuesday, as shipments remained robust despite impacts from the Iran war.

The stronger than expected performance was an improvement from April's 14.1% year-on-year increase.

Exports have remained robust despite the war, supported by shipments of autos and technology and artificial intelligence-related products such as semiconductors.

Imports in May jumped 27.4%, also at a faster pace compared with April's 25.3% year-on-year expansion.