China's vessel exports rose 31.2% year on year (YoY) to US$10.4bn during the first four months of 2015, show Chinese customs statistics.

Exports are forecast to drop YoY later this year as new orders placed in Chinese shipyards have been decreasing since late 2014, according to China Association of the National Shipbuilding Industry (CANSI).

In April, exports fell 3.9% to US$2.1bn from March.

Bulk carriers, tankers, and container vessels combined, accounted for 53.5% of total exports in the first four months. However, exports of these ship types plummeted compared with the same period a year ago.

Exports of floating or semi-submersible drilling rigs and production platforms totalled US$930m, up 410.8% YoY, accounting for 9% of total vessel exports.

During the first four months, exports to Asia rose 52.6% YoY to US$6.6bn, accounting for 64% of total exports. Exports to Hong Kong, Singapore, and Myanmar also rose to US$2.5bn, US$2.2bn, and US$690m respectively.