According to the National Bureau of Statistics, in 2000, total assets in the industry numbered 54.084 billion yuan, an increase of 10.62 percent over 1999. At the same time, the average balance of liquid assets also jumped 16.2 percent on a year-on-year basis to 19.376 billion yuan in 2000. The average balance of net fixed assets was 24.751 billion -- a 9.9 percent increase over the previous year.

With regards to product sales, in 2000, the cost of sales was 27.589 billion yuan -- an increase of 15.17 percent compared to 1999. In terms of tax payments and additional value of sales, it was 388 million yuan in 2000 -- up 31.66 percent on a year-on-year basis. Total profits were 2.942 billion yuan -- an increase of 21.86 percent on a year-on-year basis.

In 2000, the debt totaled 34.643 billion yuan -- 8.50 percent higher than in 1999. At the same time, the 448-million-yuan loss was 37.07 percent lower on a year-on-year basis. This figure suggests that the industry was about to enter a vicious circle.

3. Non-metal mining and dressing industry

Non-metal mineral products are linked with various industries in the national economy. The industry is also developing rapidly. In 2000, its sales income was 31.443 billion yuan -- an increase of 12.87 percentage points on a year-on-year basis, where the cost of sales was 23.902 billion yuan -- up 12.96 percent on a year-on-year basis. The amount of employees in the industry totaled 551,400 -- 4.65 percent lower, or 264,000 fewer people than in 1999. The figures show the industry's developmental momentum in recent years.

(For more biz stories, please visit Industry Updates)