China's exports surged 48.5 percent year on year in May to reach $131.76 billion, accelerating by 18.1 percentage points from April, said the General Administration of Customs.

Imports totaled $112.23 billion, representing a growth of 48.3 percent compared with 49.7 percent in April.

The trade surplus stood at $19.53 billion, soaring from $1.68 billion in April.

From January to May, the total value of foreign trade rose 44 percent year on year to $1.1 trillion.

It seems that Western consumers are getting back into a buying mood as their economies recoup strength, said Lu Zhengwei, chief economist at the China Industrial Bank.

"But Chinese exporters have yet to completely shake off the effects of the downturn," he said. "Uncertainties clouding their prospects include costs inflation and weakening demands from Europe."