China's retail sales surge

According to data from the Chinese National Bureau of Statistics, the country's total retail sales increased by 14.8% year-on-year in April 2009.

China's retail sales for the month were more than $135 billion in April, a slight increase, 0.3%, compared to March 2009.

Total retail sales in urban areas increased by 13.9% year-on-year.

Sales of luxury goods and clothing were among the categories that showed strong growth in April, with an average growth rate of over 10%.

Commentators said that the government's stimulus policies, including reducing purchase tax on small cars and subsidies for farmers to buy agricultural equipment, have played a big part in retail sales.

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