Trade between the Chinese mainland and Taiwan reached US$98.1 billion in the first 11 months of this year.

 

The value of goods exported to the mainland from Taiwan totaled US$79.2 billion and US$18.9 billion of goods were exported from the mainland to Taiwan, according to mainland statistics.

 

Statistics of the Ministry of Commerce also show the total volume of indirect trade across the Taiwan Straits reached US$593.9 billion by November 2006, with Taiwan's trade surplus standing at US$392.7 billion.

 

The mainland has become the biggest export market and the biggest source of trade surplus for Taiwan, according to the ministry.

 

(Xinhua News Agency December 29, 2006)