<TABLE> <S> <C>
<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE FORM
10-QSB REPORT OF ASIA FIBER HOLDINGS LIMITED FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER
30, 2000 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH REPORT.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<CURRENCY> RENMINBI YUAN
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-2000
<PERIOD-START> JAN-01-2000
<PERIOD-END> SEP-30-2000
<EXCHANGE-RATE> 8.28
<CASH> 10,141
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 63,785
<ALLOWANCES> 0
<INVENTORY> 10,398
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 443,917
<PP&E> 188,772
<DEPRECIATION> 66,730
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 583,414
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 319,807
<BONDS> 0
0
0
<COMMON> 1,864
<OTHER-SE> 231,876
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 583,414
<SALES> 415,472
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 415,472
<CGS> 378,809
<TOTAL-COSTS> 378,809
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 14,803
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<INCOME-PRETAX> 25,698
<INCOME-TAX> 2,129
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 15,690
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> 15,690
<EPS-BASIC> 1.58
<EPS-DILUTED> 1.58
</TABLE>