According to the customs, exports to the US and the Middle Eastin the first quarter increased 33.42 percent and 66.81 percent respectively over the same period last year.

The war in Iraq had only a limited impact on exports to the Middle East, as the commodities were mainly competitive products, such as electronics, clothes, boxes and furniture, said analysts.

The countries taking Chinese exports in this region, including Saudi Arabia, Iran, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates, are only lightly affected by the war.

A stable economic situation and US consumers' stronger purchasing power promoted China's exports, according to analysts.

(Xinhua News Agency April 12, 2003)