China’s exports surged 32.3 percent over a year ago in April as global consumer demand strengthened, while imports rose 43.1 percent.

Exports rose to $263.9 billion, in line with the previous month’s growth but down from the explosive 60.6-percent rise in the first two months of 2021, customs data showed Friday. Imports increased to 43.1 percent, accelerating from March’s 38.1-percent expansion.

Exports to the United States rose 30.8 percent over a year ago to $42 billion despite a lingering tariff war with Washington, the General Administration of Customs of China reported. Imports of American goods rose 23.5 percent to $13.9 billion.

China’s global trade surplus narrowed by 5 percent to $42.8 billion, an indication demand is recovering faster in China than in the rest of the world. Its political volatile surplus with the United States widened by 33.4 percent to $28.1 billion.

Exporters have benefited from the relatively early reopening of China’s economy and demand for masks and other medical supplies while some governments are re-imposing anti-virus curbs that limit business and trade.

Traders are watching for signs of what President Joe Biden might do about reviving tariff war talks with Beijing.