The drop in U.S.-bound shipments was offset by a surge in Chinese goods to Southeast Asia, Africa, Europe and Latin America.

Shipments to the U.S. sank 21% in dollar terms as Trump’s tariffs on most Chinese exports rose to as high as 145%. With Chinese tariffs on U.S. goods at 125%, business between the two biggest economies has grown increasingly uncertain.

TOKYO -- China's exports recorded solid growth in April even after U.S. President Donald Trump imposed 145% tariffs on goods from the country, showing more resilience than expected thanks to increased trade with Asian and other economies.