China’s exports to the United States fell 35% in May from a year earlier, new customs data shows, adding to pressure on the world’s second-largest economy as a new round of trade talks with Washington started Monday in London.

China’s total exports rose 4.8% last month, slowing from an 8.1% year-on-year increase in April. Imports declined 3.4% year-on-year, leaving a trade surplus of $103.2 billion.

China exported $28.8 billion to the United States in May, compared with $44 billion a year earlier. Its imports from the U.S. fell to $10.8 billion, the report said. Many businesses had rushed orders earlier in the year to try to beat higher tariffs. Still, exports to Southeast Asia and the European Union remained robust, growing 14.8% and 12%, year-on-year. — Associated Press