China is expected to encourage more imports from the United States in order to narrow the trade gap between the two countries, the South China Morning Post reported. Technology imports in particular will be bolstered, as the commerce ministry said it will focus on imports of key equipment, advanced technology and resources. China's trade surplus with the United States, which was US$232.5 billion in 2006 according to US estimates and US$144.3 billion according to China's estimates, has caused growing concern in both countries. Chinese officials have urged the US to cut its restrictions on exports to China of machinery and electronic equipment to help narrow the gap. The US has tighter controls on technology exports than does the EU, as many categories of goods are considered "sensitive" – i.e., they could have a detrimental effect on American technological superiority, especially in regards to the space industry. Earlier this week, President Bush approved some technological products for export to China, Reuters reported.