Cross-Strait trade down 23% in 2009

Trade between the mainland and Taiwan totaled 94 billion US dollars in the first 11 months of the year, according to the latest figures released by the Ministry of Commerce.

That is down 23 percent compared to the same period last year. Mainland exports to Taiwan were valued at 18 billion US dollars, down 25 percent, year-on-year. Imports from Taiwan fell to 76 billion US dollars, a 22-percent decline.

Also during the period, the mainland approved 2,237 Taiwan-funded projects, up 7 percent, year-on-year. Capital from Taiwan totaled 1.6 billion US dollars, down 6 percent.