Zhejiang province led the nation in trade with Latin America during the first four months of 2025, with both imports and exports reaching record highs for the period.

According to data from Hangzhou Customs, Zhejiang's total trade with Latin America reached 181.47 billion yuan ($25.09 billion) from January to April, up 4.8 percent year-on-year.

Exports surged 21.5 percent to 145.06 billion yuan ($20.04 billion) — accounting for 22.3 percent of China's total exports to the region. The province made up 15.6 percent of the country's overall trade with Latin America.

The number of Zhejiang-based companies involved in trade with Latin America also increased. A total of 32,500 foreign trade firms recorded transactions during the period — an 8.3 percent rise year-on-year. Of these, 28,760 were exporters, up 8.9 percent, while importers grew by 2.7 percent.

Private enterprises played a key role — contributing 83.1 percent of Zhejiang's trade with Latin America, with exports alone reaching 128.76 billion yuan, an increase of 23.3 percent.

To support exporters, Hangzhou Customs has strengthened its guidance on utilizing preferential origin rules, Authorized Economic Operator certification, processing trade benefits, and digital customs solutions. A special initiative has also been launched to help small and medium-sized enterprises explore new markets.

Latin America is also a key source of imports for Zhejiang. From January to April, the province imported 12.65 million metric tons of metal ores and concentrates from the region, valued at 17.87 billion yuan.

These accounted for 49.1 percent of Zhejiang's total imports from Latin America. Agricultural imports from the region reached 5.2 billion yuan. Latin America remained Zhejiang's top source for copper ore and edible aquatic products.