Beijing, Jul 14 (AP) China's exports accelerated in June as a reprieve on US tariffs prompted a rush of orders by companies and consumers.

Exports climbed 5.8% from a year earlier, up from a 4.8% rise in May. Imports also recovered, growing 1.1% in the first increase so far this year, according to customs data released Monday.

Exports to the United States fell 16% but that was less than half the 34.5% drop seen in May.

After US President Donald Trump imposed tariffs of up to 245% on imports from China and Beijing responded with its own steep import duties, the two sides agreed to hold back to allow time for talks. But preliminary discussions between the two sides have yet to produce significant progress.

In the meantime, the Trump administration has hiked tariffs on imports from China by 35%, pending an Aug 12 deadline for reverting to the higher tariffs Washington and Beijing have delayed for now.

The recovery in trade is expected to help boost economic growth in the April to June quarter. The Chinese government is due to report those figures on Tuesday. (AP) SCY SCY

Tariff reprieve spurs surge in orders, lifting exports and supporting near term economic growth. A temporary tariff reprieve between the United States and China triggered a surge in orders that coincided with a year on year rise in China's exports and a modest recovery in imports; firms accelerated purchases to benefit from suspended higher duties. The U.S. had imposed steep import tariffs and scheduled a reversion to higher rates subject to a deadline, but both sides delayed escalation to allow talks, and the near term trade rebound may support quarterly economic growth.