Ningbo Port's foreign trade generates strong growth in Q1

Officers from Ningbo Customs inspect moored ships. [Photo/cnnb.com.cn]

Ningbo Port, located in the city of Ningbo, East China's Zhejiang province, has posted impressive growth in foreign trade in the first quarter of 2025, further consolidating its role as a key global trading hub.

According to the latest first quarter customs data, total imports and exports at Ningbo Port hit 650.7 billion yuan ($89.31 billion), reflecting a 12.9 percent year-on-year increase. Exports surged to 494.05 billion yuan, a 19.5 percent hike, while imports declined slightly by 3.9 percent to 156.65 billion yuan.

The port continued to expand its global trade network, with the European Union as its largest trading partner, accounting for 17.8 percent of total trade in first quarter. Bilateral trade with the EU grew 21.5 percent to 115.92 billion yuan. Elsewhere, trade with ASEAN, Brazil, India, and the United Kingdom saw significant increases, while trade with countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative surpassed half of the port's total volume, rising 16.4 percent.

Exports were reportedly driven by strong performances in mechanical and electrical products, which accounted for 54 percent of total exports, increasing 22.4 percent.

Labor-intensive goods such as textiles, plastic products and furniture also showed notable growth. Imports of mechanical and electrical products, copper and organic chemicals recorded moderate gains, while rubber, steel and glass products saw sharp increases.