JAPAN remains to be the top trading partner of Davao City based on the value of exports in 2008, data from the Davao City Investments Promotion Center showed.

Overall, exports from Davao City reached an estimated total value of close to $800 million in 2008 surpassing imports by more than $600 million. Imports were pegged at a value of more or less $180 million.

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The data, which was presented by DCIPC chief Robert Teo before the US investors last week, showed that $331.6 million worth of products were exported to Japan last year.

Japan is the primary destination of high value crops like cavendish bananas and pineapples grown in Davao City and its neighboring provinces.

A far second on the list is the Middle East which has an aggregate export value of $140.5 million.

Almost tied at the third spot are China and Korea which have $75.8 and $75.2 million, respectively.

The United States, which expressed interest in boosting its trade relations with Davao City and in increasing the products exported to their country, placed only fifth with $37 million.

Neighboring Malaysia is sixth with $34 million followed by New Zealand with $18 million.

Singapore, Switzerland, and Vietnam round up the top 10 export destinations of Davao City with $16.4 million, $16.1 million, and $9.5 million worth of export products landing in their shores.

Bananas and pineapples are still the top exports of Davao City, followed by rubber, banana chips and activated carbon. Other export products include desiccated coconut, gold with silver, tuna, charcoal, and coconut oil or fatty acids.

European countries of Germany, United Kingdom, France, Russia and Italy, have gained positions in the top twenty export destinations of the city. Africa, Indonesia, Canada, Australia, and Thailand complete the top 20 export destinations of products from Davao City.