Chongqing’s foreign trade reached 216 billion yuan in the first 5 months of 2014, up 53.5% compared with the year before, according to data released by Chongqing Customs.

Exports rose 41.9% year on year to 135 billion yuan, while imports increased by 77.8% to 81.6 billion yuan.

"Export growth to the U.S. and European Union remained relatively robust despite some slight softening in the activities data," said a report.

The report says the measures announced by the customs this month to support foreign trade can also help boost the exports. The measures include speeding up export tax rebates and expanding credits to importers and exporters.