China39;s May exports top forecasts, imports slow
Imports data underline weak domestic demand concerns
Exports growth suggests hitech sectors giving China a boost
Western tariffs unlikely to immediately slow exports, analyst says
Economists expect fiscal stimulus to help boost domestic demand

BEIJING, June 7 Reuters China39;s exports grew more quickly and for a second month in May, suggesting factory owners are managing to find buyers overseas and providing some relief to the economy as it battles to mount a durable recovery.

The jury is still out, however, on whether the export sales are sustainable while a protracted property crisis has led to persistent weakness in domestic demand a factor highlighted again in last month39;s imports figures.

China39;s exports maintained strong yeartodate growth momentum in May, which mainly reflects the continuing large global market share of Chinese goods and renminbi yuan exchange advantage, as well as exporters shipping early ahead of tariff increases in export markets, said Bruce Pang, chief China economist at Jones Lang LaSalle.

Outbound shipments from the world39;s secondlargest economy grew 7.6 yearonyear in value in May, customs data showed on Friday.

But imports increased at a slower 1.8 pace, from a 8.4 jump in the previous month, highlighting the fragility of domestic consumption.

The export figure beat a forecast 6.0 increase in a Reuters poll of economists and a 1.5 rise seen in April, though growth was…