Booming exports propel Ningbo's foreign trade to new heights

The Beilun Port Area of Ningbo-Zhoushan Port. [Photo/cnnb.com.cn]

In the first two months of 2025, Ningbo's foreign trade saw robust growth. Ningbo Customs reported a total trade value of 233.88 billion yuan ($32.3 billion) from January to February, a 7.4-percent increase over the same period last year. Exports rose by 13.5 percent to 159.65 billion yuan, while imports dropped by 3.8 percent to 74.23 billion yuan.

Private enterprises dominated trade, contributing 179.51 billion yuan, up 11.3 percent and accounting for 76.8 percent of total trade. Meanwhile, foreign-invested enterprises and State-owned businesses saw slight declines in their trade figures.

A notable example is Ningbo Kangbai Trading Co Ltd, which recently exported $140,000 worth of automotive parts to Serbia. Specializing in the sales of metals, plastics, and automotive components, the company has seen its products shipped mainly to Europe and the Americas. With growing international demand, the company's exports were valued at $11.82 million during this period.

Trade with major partners like the European Union, the United States, and ASEAN nations reached 417.7 billion yuan, 392.4 billion yuan, and 308.4 billion yuan, respectively, showing stable growth. The city's trade with Africa countries and countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative also posted significant increases.

Key exports included electromechanical products, containers, and electric vehicles, all of which saw strong growth in this period. Labor-intensive products like textiles and toys also contributed significantly to export figures. On the import side, materials like organic chemicals and metals saw steady growth, reflecting Ningbo's adaptability and dynamism in global markets.