European shares eased in cautious trade on Monday as investors avoided making big bets pending the outcome of Sino-U.S. trade talks in London.

China's export growth decelerated in May, rising only 4.8% year-on-year, a significant drop from April's 8.1% increase, primarily due to a sharp 35% decline in shipments to the United States amid ongoing trade tensions.

Chinese exports of rare earths, a group of 17 minerals at the center of a trade dispute with Washington, rose 23% in May from the previous month, according to customs data on Monday.