China's imports and exports of traditional Chinese medicine
(TCM) reached US$855 million in the first seven months of 2007, up
13.2 percent compared with the same period last year, according to
figures with the China Customs.
From January to July, exports of TCM, mostly herbs, rose 13.7
percent over the same period last year to US$666 million, while
imports, including seaweeds and fish oil, went up 11.4 percent to
reach US$188 million.
Almost two thirds of the medicine went to Asia, notably China's
Hong Kong, Japan and South Korea, contributing to 70.6 percent of
the total demand in Asian market.
The United States and Germany are the major TCM consumers
outside Asia, accounting for 15 percent and three percent
respectively of exports.
China has signed inter-governmental protocols, including TCM
cooperation, with 70 countries and regions. TCM has been accepted
and protected by laws in Australia and South Africa, and TCM
products have been exported to about 135 countries and regions.
(Xinhua News Agency October 2, 2007)