(Yicai) May 30 -- Shanghai’s exports expanded by double digits last month as strong growth in shipments to regions such as Asia and Europe offset declines in deliveries to the United States caused by tariff tensions.

Shanghai’s total imports and exports in April reached CNY399.3 billion (USD55.4 billion), a 12 percent increase year-over-year, according to the latest customs data. Exports surged 17 percent year-on-year to CNY166.8 billion, while imports rose 8 percent to CNY232.5 billion.

Non-US regions are becoming increasingly important to the eastern trading hub. Shanghai’s exports to Asia jumped 27 percent to CNY85.9 billion (USD12 billion), exports to Europe rose 13 percent to CNY37.9 billion, and shipments to Latin America grew 22 percent to CNY10.3 billion. Meanwhile, exports to Africa doubled, reaching CNY6.7 billion (USD932 million). Notably, exports to Germany, the Netherlands, Russia, Malaysia, and India each increased by over 40 percent. However, due to tariffs, Shanghai’s shipments to the US fell 18 percent to CNY17.7 billion.

The trend is modest this year. In the first four months, Shanghai’s imports and exports reached CNY1.4 trillion (USD194.7 billion), up 1 percent from the same period last year.

From January to April, the city traded with more than 200 countries and regions, 166 of which saw growth. In particular, trade with countries and regions under China's Belt and Road Initiative reached nearly CNY600 billion, a 12 percent increase. Additionally, ties with key node regions such as the Middle East and Eastern Europe strengthened, with related growth rates exceeding 20 percent.

In terms of product segments, mechanical and electrical products account for more than 60 percent of Shanghai's total exports. In the first four months, Shanghai exported CNY398.8 billion worth of such products, up 3 percent year-over-year. In April alone, this segment grew by 10 percent.

Shanghai boasts a strong private economy. From January to April, over 70 percent of the more than 50,000 high-performing import and export enterprises were private companies. Imports and exports by non-state-owned firms exceeded CNY500 billion, rising more than 20 percent.

Editors: Emmi Laine