Wuchuan county in Hohhot, capital of North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region, achieved its first-ever export of astragalus, a traditional Chinese medicinal herb, in the first half of 2025, marking a new milestone for Inner Mongolia's specialty products in global markets.

Hohhot Customs announced that the total value of goods trade in Inner Mongolia reached 101.25 billion yuan ($1.41 billion) in the first half of 2025, marking a 0.4 percent year-on-year increase and surpassing 100 billion yuan for the first time.

Among the highlights were agricultural exports, which totaled 6.24 billion yuan, up 10.7 percent year-on-year and accounting for 15.8 percent of the region's total exports.

With its high elevation, abundant sunlight, large day-night temperature differences, and mineral-rich, breathable soil, Wuchuan county produces astragalus with thick roots, rich texture, and potent medicinal components. Historical medical texts have long recognized Wuchuan as a key astragalus-producing area, earning it the nickname "Hometown of Authentic Astragalus" as early as the late Qing dynasty (1644-1911).

Astragalus is one of China's 40 major medicinal ingredients and was listed as both a food and medicine by national authorities in November 2023. Tests on two-year-old transplanted astragalus from Kuisu village in Wuchuan showed active ingredient levels well above pharmacopeia standards.

Now, astragalus has become a pillar of Wuchuan's rural economy, with expansive plantations, cooperative farming bases, and a growing product line including astragalus slices, teas, and extracts. Thanks to standardization and product innovation, this once-local specialty is now penetrating domestic pharmaceutical markets and expanding its footprint abroad.