Trade between the European Union (EU)and Shaanxi province exceeded 680 million US dollars in 2002, making the EU the largest trading partner of the northwestern Chinese province for four years in succession.

According to statistics from the local customs, Shaanxi's exports to the EU amounted to 335 million US dollars last year, 27.5 percent more than in the previous year. Its imports from the EU were worth 350 million US dollars, 9.3 percent up from 2001.

The United States is Shaanxi's second largest trading partner, with bilateral trade worth 336 million US dollars in 2002, 1.5 percent higher than in the previous year.

However, exports and imports between Shaanxi and Japan, the province's third largest trade partner, both declined last year.