Ningbo-Zhoushan Port. [Photo by Jiang Xiaodong/Yongpai App]

Ningbo's foreign trade posted strong performance in the first half of 2026, with exports reaching 528.42 billion yuan ($78.57 billion), up 7.8 percent year-on-year. The gap between Ningbo's export growth rate and Zhejiang's provincial average narrowed significantly, signaling stronger momentum.

A key driver has been the rapid transformation of its export mix. The city's "new trio" products — electric passenger vehicles, lithium-ion batteries, and photovoltaic products — saw exports surge 134.5 percent to 34.91 billion yuan, far outpacing the provincial average.

Meanwhile, traditional labor-intensive exports grew by just 1.4 percent, highlighting the shift from traditional industries toward high-tech and green manufacturing.

The way Ningbo sells abroad is also changing. Private enterprises accounted for 77.6 percent of total exports and contributed more than 90 percent of export growth. Cross-border e-commerce is expanding rapidly, while overseas warehouses and livestreaming are opening new channels to global consumers.

The city is also diversifying its markets. Exports to Africa rose 18.3 percent, significantly faster than the 5.2 percent growth in exports to the European Union.

As the second half begins, Ningbo's next challenge is clear: accelerate industrial upgrading, expand into new markets, and turn its manufacturing strengths into stronger global competitiveness.