Customs officials inspect cars for export. [Photo by Zhu Jiana/Yongpai App]

Ningbo Port reported robust foreign trade growth in the first two months of 2026, with exports standing out as a key driver.

The total import and export value at the port reached 494.45 billion yuan ($71.91 billion) from January to February, up 12.9 percent year-on-year. Exports rose by an impressive 16 percent to 388.97 billion yuan, while imports edged up 2.5 percent to 105.48 billion yuan.

Private enterprises drove growth, contributing 390.27 billion yuan in trade, a 16.8 percent increase and accounting for 78.9 percent of the total.

The port's regional influence was also strengthened, with 65.44 percent of trade handled for companies outside Ningbo. Firms from elsewhere in Zhejiang province recorded 196.01 billion yuan in trade via the port, up 16 percent, while companies from other provinces posted a 21.8 percent increase to 127.57 billion yuan.

Trade with major partners also saw strong growth. Imports and exports with the European Union and ASEAN grew by 19.3 percent and 22.2 percent respectively, together accounting for over 30 percent of total trade. Trade with countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative climbed 17 percent to 263.14 billion yuan.

Exports were led by mechanical and electrical products and labor-intensive goods, which together accounted for nearly 90 percent of export growth. Exports of the "new three" products — electric vehicles, lithium-ion batteries, and photovoltaic products — surged, with electric vehicle exports soaring 144.5 percent and lithium-ion batteries up 34.8 percent.

On the import side, crude oil, agricultural products and rubber all posted solid gains, supporting overall growth.