Mainland becomes Taiwan's top trading partner

Mainland trade with Taiwan in 2003 surpassed that of both the US and Japan, according to Taiwan officials, making mainland China Taiwan's biggest trading partner. Mainland-Taiwan trade, which has been indirect since 1949, reached US$46.32 billion in 2003, a year-on-year rise of 23.8%. Shipments from the mainland to Taiwan rose 37.9% over the previous year to US$10.96 billion, while mainland-bound shipments increased 20% to US$35.36 billion. Trade with the mainland composed 17.1% of Taiwan's external trade.