(Yicai Global) Feb. 12 -- The UK exported GBP26.4 billion (around USD34.2 billion) in goods to China last year in a historical high, Xinhuanet reported, citing data the UK's Office for National Statistics released yesterday.

Of the GBP372 billion worth of goods the country that has just left the EU sent abroad last year, 7 percent went to China, per the statistics, making it Britain's third-largest export market after the US and Germany.

China is in a crisis period as it fights the novel coronavirus pneumonia, but the trade figures remind the UK that the great potential for long-term cooperation with it is unchanged, China-Britain Business Council Chief Executive Matthew Rous stated, adding the numbers show the closer trade relationship with China has greatly boosted the UK economy.

The country's exports to China have been growing steadily in many areas, such as the retail, technology and health care sectors, which will benefit both countries and create more jobs in the UK, Matthew Rous noted.

Editor: Ben Armour