SHANGHAI - Shanghai customs said Tuesday that it had seen a surge in imports from the United States from January to July this year.

Imports from the United States were worth 153 billion yuan ($22 billion), up 27.1 percent year on year, according to the customs. Marked growth was seen in imports of automobiles, pharmaceuticals and integrated circuits, the customs said.

Imports of US automobiles were worth 16.25 billion yuan ($2.3 billion), up 20 percent. Pharmaceutical imports grew by 76.1 percent to reach 8.69 billion yuan ($12 billion).

The customs attributed the growth of imports to improved living standards in China and an aging society causing surge for demand in medicines.

Exports to the United States in the first seven months this year were worth 448.2 billion yuan ($66 billion), up 13.9 percent year on year.

Mechanical parts, garments, textiles and furniture were the main exported goods.

Shanghai is a key portal for trade between China and the United States.