According to statistics released by UK customs, Sino-UK trade volume reached £6.732 billion in the period January to April this year, up 20.26% over the same period in 2006.

UK imports from China increased 23.15% to reach £5.649 billion, whilst its exports to China totalled £1.082 billion, a 7.02% increase.

Textiles and garments accounted for £750 million of total imports from China during the period in question.