Philippine exports increased 21% on a year earlier in March, well ahead of the 15% expected by economists. That likely reflects a 39% jump in shipments to China, and may continue in April on the basis of preliminary data from Taiwan and South Korea. U.S.-bound exports also increased, though seaborne shipments fell 17% in April, potentially marking an end to growth there. Electronics continued to expand, led by a 27% gain in computer shipments, though machinery and minerals (which increased 94%) also contributed to growth.