China returned to a trade surplus as official figures released on Monday showed strong export growth in April, the Wall Street Journal reported. The General Administration of Customs reported that merchandise exports were up 30.5% year-on-year to US$119.92 billion, following a 24.3% gain in March. This took the trade balance to a surplus of US$1.68 billion surplus compared to a shortfall of US$7.24 billion in March – China’s first monthly deficit in six years. Although the renminbi – which is effectively pegged to the US dollar – has gained more than 10% against the euro amid the Greek crisis, China’s exports to the EU have grown 30.4% so far this year. Still, the intensifying situation in Greece could mean weaker demand for Chinese exports later. Some economists expect imports will decline further due to a slowdown in construction and reduced demand for raw materials, which would further boost the trade surplus.