The export and import value of the petrochemical industry in China climbed 2.3% year on year to US$334.6 billion in the first ten months of this year, according to the latest statistics released by the National Development and Reform Commission.

The industry's import value climbed 0.6% year on year to US$188.5 billion from Jan to Oct, while its export value rose 4.5% year on year to US$146.2 billion. A trade deficit of US$42.3 billion was recorded in the period.

The imports of organic chemicals increased 15.1% year on year to US$45.1 billion, while those of synthetic resins climbed 2.9% year on year to US$41.4 billion.

The country imported US$11.8 billion of synthetic fiber monomer in the first ten months, 19.3% less than in the same period of last year.

The imports of inorganic chemicals fell 0.5% to US$7.48 billion, and the imports of synthetic rubber dropped 15.3% to US$3.69 billion.