CHINA's exports grew 1.5 per cent year on year in April in dollar volume amid increasing scrutiny of its trade by the US and Europe, posing questions over whether the momentum will last, reports Nikkei Asia.

This reverses the sharp decline of 7.5 per cent in March, according to data released by the country's customs office. The number for April matched the increase forecast in a Reuters poll of economists.

A rise in exports of some mechanical and high-tech products, including cars, helped bring the figure back into positive territory. But this was offset by a downturn in demand for steel and garments.

Exports to Brazil and Southeast Asian economies led the growth, while those to the US and European Union recorded declines.