Zhejiang province reported a total foreign trade volume of 1.75 trillion yuan ($243 billion) from January to April, a 6.6 percent increase year-on-year, according to Hangzhou Customs.

Exports rose 9.7 percent to 1.31 trillion yuan, while imports slipped 1.6 percent to 436.25 billion yuan. The province's trade growth continued to outpace the national average.

The European Union, ASEAN, and Latin America remained Zhejiang's key markets, with trade volumes rising 10.3 percent, 10.9 percent, and 4.8 percent, respectively.

Exports to emerging markets surged, including a 21.5 percent jump to Latin America, 10.4 percent to the Middle East, and 9.2 percent to ASEAN.

Trade with countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative totaled 979.49 billion yuan, up 7.4 percent and accounting for 56 percent of the province's total trade.

Mechanical and electrical exports reached 624.96 billion yuan, a 13.1 percent increase and nearly half of total exports. Household appliances and auto parts posted double-digit growth, while electric passenger vehicle exports soared 72.7 percent to 12.22 billion yuan.

Private enterprises led the province's trade activity, contributing 1.42 trillion yuan — 81.1 percent of total trade. Their exports climbed 9.5 percent to 1.12 trillion yuan. Foreign-invested enterprises also saw export growth of 10.8 percent, totaling 142.43 billion yuan.

Comprehensive bonded zones played a growing role, with trade up 16.4 percent to 87.77 billion yuan, now accounting for 5 percent of the province's total.