Ningbo's foreign trade posts steady growth in H1

Ningbo Customs officials visit a garment manufacturer. [Photo by Wang Haitao/Yongpai App]

Ningbo's foreign trade continued to grow steadily in the first half of 2026, with total imports and exports reaching 771.26 billion yuan ($113.98 billion), up 6.9 percent year-on-year, according to Ningbo Customs.

Exports rose 7.8 percent to 528.42 billion yuan, while imports increased 5 percent to 242.84 billion yuan. Growth accelerated in June, with the city's trade expanding 14.4 percent year-on-year.

Market diversification remained a key driver of growth. The European Union retained its position as Ningbo's largest trading partner, with bilateral trade rising 5.8 percent to 135.17 billion yuan. Trade with ASEAN climbed 12.5 percent, while trade with Africa surged 17.7 percent to 50.63 billion yuan.

Private enterprises continued to serve as the backbone of Ningbo's foreign trade. Their imports and exports totaled 604.66 billion yuan, up 8.1 percent, accounting for 78.4 percent of the city's total trade.

Some exporters also reported robust overseas demand. For example, a Ningbo-based manufacturer of professional pet grooming equipment saw its overseas sales jump by more than 55 percent in the first half of the year.

The city's export structure also continued to improve. Exports of mechanical and electrical products grew 6.9 percent to 305.46 billion yuan, accounting for nearly 60 percent of total exports. Meanwhile, exports of electric vehicles, lithium-ion batteries and photovoltaic products soared 134.5 percent, highlighting the growing competitiveness of Ningbo's advanced manufacturing sector.