According to statistics released by Chinese customs, shoe exports increased 20.4% to $6.64 billion and garment exports rose 24.7% to $24.03 billion between January and April, compared with the same period in 2005.

Reports indicate that Chinese exports totalled $274.24 billion while imports totalled $240.48 billion, up 25.8% and 22.1% respectively, with a favourable balance of $33.76 billion.

In terms of exports, high-tech products saw the greatest increase, up 34.4% from 2005 to $81.24 billion.