Ningbo sees fast growth in intl air cargo throughput in H1

Customs officials examine goods at Ningbo Lishe International Airport in East China's Zhejiang province. [Photo/Ningbo Daily]

Imports and exports transported by air in Ningbo, East China's Zhejiang province amounted to 14.0417 metric tons in the first half of this year, up 65.7 percent year-on-year, according to local customs.

The figure also represented a yearly uptick of 65.7 percent over the same period in 2019.

These goods handled at Ningbo Lishe International Airport over the six-month period were valued at 12.81 billion yuan ($1.97 billion), a rise of 24.7 percent year-on-year.

Both the weight and declaration value hit a new record high.

The strong results are mainly due to a string of measures taken by local authorities to reduce the financial burdens spawned by higher logistics cost due to the reduction of international flights.

The move to slash taxes and fees on businesses, for example, has greatly bolstered the growth momentum of enterprises.

Ningbo Sunny Optoelectronic Co Ltd is among the biggest beneficiaries. As one of the largest integrated circuit importers from Ningbo, the company has been exempt from a tax guarantee worth 50 million yuan. The preferential policy has greatly relieved its capital pressure and slashed logistics costs.

In addition, efforts in streamlining customs clearance procedures, like releasing goods like chilled seafood, fruit and live animals upon arrival, also played a part in the robust growth.

A cold chain warehouse, which will be put into use soon near Ningbo airport will further improve its handling capacity of fresh goods.

Besides, Ningbo Customs has also tapped cross-border e-commerce opportunities by promote the growth of customs transferring business in partnering with cities including Hangzhou and Qingdao.

From January to June, 44.43 83 million tons of foreign trade cargo were transferred at Ningbo airport, up 215.28 percent year-on-year, official data show.