Hong Kong Special Administrative Region's exports by value rose at a faster pace in April as strong growth in shipments to Chinese mainland and other Asian destinations offset a slack in exports to the United States, the government said Tuesday.

Exports rose 14.5 percent over a year earlier to HK$243.3 billion ($31.18 billion) in April, nearly double March's 7.6 percent growth rate.

Re-exports, or imported goods reprocessed and exported from Hong Kong, grew 15.5 percent to HK$235.6 billion, the government said. Domestic exports fell 10 percent to HK$7.8 billion.

April imports expanded 11.3 percent to HK$259.6 billion.

The trade deficit for the month was HK$16.2 billion, or 6.2 percent of the value of imports during the period.

"The Chinese mainland market resumed its role as the main growth driver after a sluggish performance in March. The continued vibrant intra-regional trade in Asia also contributed in a significant way," a government spokesman said.