The total output value of China's machine tool industry grew 25 percent year on year to 130 billion yuan (US$16.25 billion) in 2005, the China Machine Tool and Tool Builders' Association said on Tuesday.

The sales revenue of machine tools for metal processing exceeded 40 billion yuan (about US$4.96 billion), and the export volume of machine tools totaled US$3 billion, figures show.

Geng Liangzhi, deputy chief of the association, expected China's machine tool output value to grow 15 percent in 2006 to 150 billion yuan (US$18.59 billion).

(Xinhua News Agency January 11, 2006)