Shanggang Port, an inland river port situated in Huzhou, has experienced an upswing in container activity, handling 38,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in the first two months of this year.

This marks a year-on-year increase of 15,000 TEUs compared to the same period last year, matching the total volume of the first quarter of 2023, as confirmed by Zhao Hongwei, the general manager of Huzhou Shanggang International Port Logistics Co Ltd.

Anticipating further growth, Zhao projected that the port's container throughput for the first quarter will reach 60,000 TEUs, driven by robust activity, especially after the Lantern Festival, with an average of over 400 containers being shipped daily to 500 destinations worldwide.

Zhao noted that the container activity reflects the strong recovery of the export business in Huzhou, "serving as a barometer for the city's economic conditions".

Wang Yuhua, head of transportation and logistics at Zhejiang Kingsafe Hygiene Materials Technology Co Ltd, revealed that the company's export orders are scheduled up to June, attributing this success in part to the efficient transportation system established between Shanggang Port and its parent port – Shanghai Port.

The system, in which goods are transported from Huzhou to Shanghai by river before being exported by sea from the city, has enabled Kingsafe to deliver goods to its South Korean clients in just five and a half days.

Kingsafe is not alone in reaping the benefits. Wang highlighted the growing preference for water transportation among Huzhou manufacturing enterprises, citing the priority embarkation policy promised by Shanghai Port for Huzhou companies and the cost efficiency of water transportation compared to rail and road logistics.

The bustling activity at Shanggang Port reflects the growing trend among Huzhou manufacturers to proactively seek out orders and expand their markets.

Zhejiang Yunfeng Moganshan Flooring Co Ltd serves as a prime example. Fu Juejie, the company's general manager, shared that their participation at a recent trade show in Germany resulted in over 20 potential clients, with an estimated order value of 10 million yuan ($1.39 million).

The city has consistently supported local enterprises in expanding their markets at home and abroad. So far this year, the city has organized a total of 40 business delegations, comprising 184 enterprises to attend various fairs, resulting in $210 million in intended orders.