Authorities on Monday said Hong Kong's March trade figures grew at the fastest pace in 15 months, despite ongoing trade tensions with the United States.

Official figures released by the Census and Statistics Department showed that the value of the city's total exports jumped 18.5 percent year on year to HK$455.5 billion.

The number is higher than February's 15.4 percent growth.

The value of total imports of goods, meanwhile, rose 16.6 percent from a year earlier to HK$500.9 billion last month.

Exports increased by 10.9 percent year-on-year in the first three months of the year, while imports were up 9.8 percent for the period.

Commenting on the data, a government spokesperson said the city's exports grew "sharply" last month, with a strong rise in shipments to the mainland. Shipments to the US also "increased visibly".

"Looking ahead, global trade tensions have escalated abruptly due to the significant increases in tariffs by the United States in early April. This will pose challenges to Hong Kong's merchandise trade performance," the spokesperson said.

"Nevertheless, the steady growth in the mainland economy, together with Hong Kong's proactive efforts in enhancing economic and trade ties with different markets, should help buttress trade performance," he added.