BEIJING -- Trade between the Chinese mainland and Macao decreased by 16.5 percent year on year to $480 million during the first two months of the year, the Ministry of Commerce said on Wednesday.

The mainland's exports to Macao dropped 5.7 percent year on year to $440 million during the Jan-Feb period. Macao's exports to the mainland totaled $40 million, a decrease of 63.8 percent year on year, according to figures released by the ministry.

In February, the mainland's trade with Macao decreased by 34.4 percent year on year to reach $190 million, according to the ministry.

The mainland's exports to Macao in February dropped 33.5 percent from the previous month to $170 million. Macao's exports to the mainland totaled $10 million, a decrease of 43.5 percent month on month, it said.

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