(Yicai Global) April 14 -- The Association of Southeast Asian Nations surpassed the EU to become China's largest trading partner in the first quarter, data released today by the country's General Administration of Customs show.

China's trade volume with the economic blocks was recorded at CNY991.34 billion in the first quarter, up 6.1 percent from the same period last year to make up about 15 percent of the country's overall during the period.

Trade with the second-place EU was CNY875.93 billion in a 10.4 percent decrease, while that with the US declined 18.3 percent to CNY668 billion and the volume with Japan was CNY465.8 billion, down 8.1 percent.

Editor: Ben Armour