The National Statistics Committee has published data showing exports
rose 52.3 percent in the first half of 2011 to a total value of $2 billion,
with 90 percent of the total going to China. Mineral resources accounted for
the bulk of the increase, rising 71.8 percent from a year ago and making up
about 85 percent of the total volume.

Landlocked Mongolia remains dependent on Chinese traders buying
minerals at considerable discounts before trucking them south. Official data
show that Mongolian coal is sold to China at around $40 per tonne lower than
the average price.

Last year, 84 percent of Mongolia”s total exports were to China. Canada
was in second place with 5.4 percent.