The total value of imports and exports in Lishui, Zhejiang province hit 42.38 billion yuan ($5.82 billion) last year, representing a 12.4-percent year-on-year increase.

According to official data, the performance marked the first time the city topped 40 billion yuan in foreign trade.

The city exported goods worth 36.73 billion yuan in 2024, a significant 17.4 percent increase from the previous year, according to Lishui Customs. Both the import and export growth rates ranked second in the province.

The United States remained Lishui's largest export market in 2024. Additionally, exports to Malaysia and Singapore saw rapid growth, with year-on-year increases of 81.1 percent and 63.7 percent, respectively.

Regionally, Asia became Lishui's largest export destination in 2024, with exports totaling 12.24 billion yuan, a 9.9 percent increase from the previous year. Exports to countries and regions participating in the Belt and Road Initiative reached 15.63 billion yuan, up 10.1 percent.

In terms of major export products, mechanical products and light industrial products performed very well, with export values increasing by 18.2 percent and 12.4 percent, respectively.

"Lishui has been continuously upgrading its foreign trade policies and improving its trade service mechanisms to guide and encourage enterprises to explore international markets," said an official from the Lishui municipal bureau of commerce.

Over the past year, more than 670 enterprises and over 1,300 participants attended key domestic and international trade fairs and business activities – resulting in over 2 billion yuan in intended orders.