China has said its trade surplus soared in May on strong foreign demand for Chinese-made products. Analysts said the figures could increase pressure on Beijing to let its currency strengthen.
The surge in exports - up 48.5% from a year ago - suggested the euro zone debt crisis had not yet hurt demand for Chinese products, which could ease concerns of a slowdown in the world's third-largest economy.
The data came after US lawmakers vowed to launch legislative action in two weeks to punish China for refusing to revalue the yuan, claiming the currency is undervalued and gives the nation an unfair trade advantage.
China posted a trade surplus of $19.53 billion in May, compared with a surplus of $1.68 billion in April and a deficit in March - the first in six years. Exports totalled $131.8 billion in May. Imports gained 48.3% year-on-year to $112.2 billion.
