BEIJING - Trade between the Chinese mainland and Macao dropped by 27.2 percent year on year to $740 million during the first three months of 2016, according to figures from the Ministry of Commerce.

The mainland's exports to Macao decreased by 26.6 percent year on year to $700 million during the January-March period. Imports from Macao were at $40 million, a drop of 37.5 percent year on year, according to the ministry.

Mainland authorities approved 76 investment projects from Macao during the period, with the actual use of Macao capital reaching $180 million, up 0.9 percent from the same period last year.