Foreign trade in Datong, Northern China's Shanxi province, totaled $270 million in the first half of this year, an increase of 18.2 percent over the same period last year. Exports accounted for $150 million, while imports reached $120 million.

Foreign trade has seen steady growth this year, but the main export goods have stayed the same: pharmaceutical products, coke, railway components, magnesium, acticarbon, engine gear and agricultural products.

Pharmaceuticals lead Datong exports, in part because the top-notch industry has won international recognition. These products were previously only headed to India, but are now shipped to over 10 countries. Agricultural exports have also seen a rapid increase in export volume, and some enterprises in the industry are planning overseas offices to further enlarge export trade.

Machinery and accessory parts are the main imports, especially coal-mining equipment. The Datong Coal Mine Group is the largest importer in the industry.