Jinhua in Zhejiang province recorded a foreign trade volume of 508.68 billion yuan ($70.76 billion) in the first half. It was 8th nationwide and led the top 10 cities by growth rate at 20.1 percent, according to data from the General Administration of Customs.
Exports are the main driver. Jinhua Customs reported that exports hit 453.37 billion yuan with a 20.6 percent increase, accounting for nearly 90 percent of the total trade.
With tough competition in Europe and North America, Jinhua has prioritized expanding into nations involved in the Belt and Road Initiative.
Data shows 64.1 percent of Jinhua's foreign trade volume from January to June came from BRI countries, surging 24.4 percent to 326.29 billion yuan.
Jinqi Technology Co in Yiwu county-level city, known for 3D-printed toys, once held up to 80 percent of the United States market. In the last two years, with government help, the company entered BRI markets, boosting sales by nearly 50 percent since the second half of 2024.
High-tech exports are key. From January to June, exports of electromechanical products hit 185.6 billion yuan, up 20.2 percent, making up 40.9 percent of the total. Electric vehicles were top, jumping 212.1 percent.
The State Council approved a plan for deepening comprehensive international trade reforms in Yiwu in December, opening new global opportunities for Jinhua.
In June, the Zhejiang China-Europe train service started its 26th route to Baku, Azerbaijan. The Yiwu (Suxi) International Hub Port Phase I began operations on June 27, enabling Yiwu's small commodities to reach the world from the land port. These steps all show Jinhua's growing trade potential.
