In the bustling workshop of Zhejiang Zhongli Machinery Co Ltd in Huzhou, East China's Zhejiang province, the automatic production lines were producing a batch of electric pallet trucks on Sept 20, set to be shipped to member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

ASEAN has emerged as Huzhou's biggest export market. Huzhou's industries, such as intelligent logistics equipment, chair manufacturing, power batteries, and green outdoor furniture manufacturing, are accelerating exports to the region.

Huzhou Customs reported that the city's exports to ASEAN reached 20.86 billion yuan ($2.93 billion) from January to August, marking a 6.9 percent year-on-year increase.

Electric pallet trucks from Zhejiang Zhongli Machinery Co Ltd are ready to be shipped overseas. [Photo/Tide News]

Zhongli is capitalizing on the demand for intelligent material handling solutions, expanding into ASEAN and other emerging markets.

"Our automatic pallet truck integrates electric steering and AI, enhancing efficiency and eco-friendliness," said Sha Jianyu, production director at Zhongli. The company achieved a 28.1 percent year-on-year increase in exports to ASEAN from January to July, he added.

Similarly, Zhejiang Dingli Machinery Co Ltd, also based in Huzhou, has found success in the ASEAN market with its scissor and boom lifts. Its exports to ASEAN now account for nearly 70 percent of the company's sales.