China May exports grow at doubledigit pace, blows past forecast
China May imports also beat f39;cast, first expansion in 3 months
Data adds to signs of China39;s economic recovery from COVID outbreaks
Trade outlook still faces risks from high raw material costs, Ukraine war

BEIJING, June 9 Reuters China39;s exports grew at a doubledigit pace in May, shattering expectations in an encouraging sign for the world39;s second biggest economy, as factories restarted and logistics snags eased after authorities relaxed some COVID curbs in Shanghai.

Imports also expanded for the first time in three months, providing welcome relief to Chinese policy makers as they try to chart an economic path out of the supplyside shock that has rocked global trade and financial markets in recent months.

Nonetheless, the outlook for China39;s exports, closely watched by investors as a gauge of world economic health, still points to risks from a monthslong Ukraine war and rising raw material costs. Those same factors, along with rising interest rates in the United States and Europe, have raised concerns about a global recession.

Outbound shipments in May jumped 16.9 from a year earlier, the fastest growth since January this year, and more than double analysts39; expectations for a 8.0 rise. Exports were up 3.9 in April.

We believe this recovery can continue if there are no further lockdowns, said Iris Pang, Greater China chief economist at ING, adding the rebound in both exports and…