Customs officers at Ningbo airport inspect imported goods. [Photo by Hu Bobo/Tide News]

According to local customs authorities, total imports and exports at Ningbo Lishe International Airport reached 8.63 billion yuan ($1.26 billion) in the first quarter, marking a year-on-year increase of 162.4 percent.

This rapid growth was driven by a new round of cross-border trade facilitation measures that enhanced the port's openness and regional connectivity.

Trade remains highly concentrated, with Hong Kong, the European Union, and the United States ranking as the top three partners, together accounting for over 80 percent of total trade. Notably, trade with the EU soared 15-fold, supported by the efficient operation of the Ningbo-Liege cargo route, which links China to Liege, a key Eurasian logistics hub.

On the import side, both industrial and consumer goods recorded strong growth. Imports of high-end equipment and core components surged, with mechanical and electrical product imports rising 2.2 times. Meanwhile, imports of quality agricultural products also grew 2.4 times.

Exports were led by high-value mechanical and electrical products, which jumped 2.8 times to 5.64 billion yuan, while the city's traditional textile and garment sector expanded by 54.4 percent.

With ongoing improvements in customs efficiency, multimodal logistics, and green channels for priority goods, Ningbo's airport is solidifying its role as a key international trade gateway and a vital hub for regional economic growth.