The total import and export volume reached 581.98 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 12.3%. Exports amounted to 400.83 billion yuan, growing by 10.6%, while imports reached 181.15 billion yuan, increasing by 16.2%. Both growth rates exceeded the national average. These figures represent Chongqing’s foreign trade performance for the first three quarters of this year.

Against the backdrop of deglobalization trends in the world economy and rising trade protectionism, which have created significant pressure on foreign trade, maintaining double-digit growth under such circumstances is particularly noteworthy. What are the driving forces behind this growth?

Driving Force from Mechanical and Electrical Products—

Mechanical and electrical products accounted for over 60% of total exports, with electric vehicle exports reaching 9.79 billion yuan, a growth of 69.1%.

On October 9, 1,650 vehicles manufactured in Chongqing set sail from Qinzhou Port in Guangxi to the Middle East, setting a record for the largest single shipment of vehicle exports from Qinzhou Port. This shipment, organized by Chang’an Automobile, included various models such as buses and sedans, with a total value of approximately 230 million yuan.

Supported by the “Haina Baichuan” initiative, Chang’an Automobile’s export volume continues to rise. Data shows that from January to September, Chang’an Automobile’s overseas sales reached 465,305 units, an increase of 10.7%.

Other automotive companies in Chongqing are also accelerating their international expansion.

Seres’ Middle East version AITO series made its debut at this year’s Munich Auto Show, with the announcement that these three models have received market access certification in the UAE and will soon be launched locally. This means Seres will use this opportunity to enter the Middle East market.

As Chongqing focuses on building itself into a hub for intelligent connected new energy vehicles and implements the “Yuche Chuhai” plan, vehicles manufactured in Chongqing, particularly new energy vehicles, are becoming important growth drivers for the city’s foreign trade. Customs data shows that in the first three quarters, the city’s vehicle exports reached 33.73 billion yuan, growing by 6.4%, with electric vehicle exports accounting for 9.79 billion yuan, a surge of 69.1%.

Mechanical and electrical products, including automobiles, remain the mainstay of the city’s foreign trade exports. Previously, the primary mechanical and electrical export products were laptops. In recent years, through continuous optimization of the foreign trade structure, the variety of mechanical and electrical export products has become increasingly diverse.

Although global laptop market orders have somewhat declined, Chongqing, as the world’s largest laptop manufacturing base, has maintained stable high export values. In the first three quarters, laptop exports reached 113.28 billion yuan, ranking first nationally in export value.

Exports of mobile phones, motorcycles, and other products continued to show stable growth, with exports of 43.73 billion yuan and 19.86 billion yuan respectively, increasing by 44.3% and 37.9%. With the contribution of these products, mechanical and electrical product exports totaled 360.82 billion yuan in the first three quarters, accounting for over 60% of the city’s total exports.

Mechanical and electrical products serve as the “ballast stone” for Chongqing’s exports. The city has been making every effort to stabilize the export of these products, such as implementing the “Yuche Chuhai” plan, helping laptop companies secure orders, and connecting upstream and downstream enterprises with customers. Additionally, Chongqing continues to leverage the supporting role of open channels like the New Western Land-Sea Corridor and China-Europe Railway Express, providing more convenient logistics options for the export of mechanical and electrical products.

Driving Force from Foreign Trade Entities—

The number of enterprises engaged in foreign trade is increasing, with over 4,900 companies having actual import and export performance, reaching a record high.

In early October, at the Chongqing Hub Port Industrial Park, the production lines of Chongqing Juruisen Decoration Materials Co., Ltd. were operating at full capacity, producing over 1,200 super particle boards per hour.

Juruisen specializes in high-end particle board production, with an annual output of 300,000 cubic meters of super particle boards widely used in high-end wood product manufacturing such as cabinets, furniture, and audio equipment. Because their production process is entirely free of formaldehyde additives and meets international environmental standards, their products have gained recognition in overseas markets.

Currently, the company exports nearly 20,000 boards monthly, with monthly sales

Qinzhou Port

Qinzhou Port is a major seaport in Guangxi, China, strategically located on the Gulf of Tonkin. Historically, its development accelerated in the 1990s as part of China’s efforts to boost trade with ASEAN nations. Today, it is a crucial hub in the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor, facilitating cargo transport between western China and international markets.

Middle East

The Middle East is a transcontinental region centered on Western Asia and Egypt, historically known as the “Cradle of Civilization” as it was the birthplace of major ancient cultures and the world’s first writing systems, cities, and empires. It is the spiritual center for the world’s major Abrahamic religions—Judaism, Christianity, and Islam—and has been a strategically vital crossroads of trade and culture for millennia. The modern history of the region has been profoundly shaped by the rise and fall of empires, the discovery of vast oil reserves, and complex geopolitical developments.

Chang’an Automobile

Chang’an Automobile is a major Chinese state-owned automobile manufacturer headquartered in Chongqing, with origins dating back to 1862 as a military equipment supplier. It is one of China’s “Big Four” automakers and has a long-standing joint venture with Ford Motor Company. Today, it is a significant global player, known for producing a wide range of passenger and commercial vehicles.

Seres

“Seres” was the ancient Greek and Roman name for the people and region of China, known for producing the luxurious fabric silk. This term reflects the early trade connections along the Silk Road, through which silk was exported to the Mediterranean world. The name itself highlights China’s early and significant role in global trade and cultural exchange.

Munich Auto Show

The Munich Auto Show, known as IAA Mobility, is a major international automotive exhibition that relocated from Frankfurt to Munich in 2021. This shift refocused the event beyond traditional car displays to emphasize future mobility, including electric vehicles, bicycles, and public transport solutions. It now integrates a public festival format with a professional trade fair to showcase sustainable urban mobility concepts.

UAE

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a federation of seven emirates on the Arabian Peninsula, formed in 1971 following the end of the British protectorate era. Historically a region of pearl diving and trade, its modern history has been defined by the discovery of oil, which rapidly transformed it into a global hub of commerce, tourism, and innovation. Today, it is renowned for its ultramodern architecture in cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, set against a backdrop of deep-rooted Arab and Islamic traditions.

New Western Land-Sea Corridor

The New Western Land-Sea Corridor is a major international trade and logistics passage launched by China to connect its inland regions to global markets. Established as a key national initiative, it facilitates multimodal transport—integrating rail, sea, and road routes—from western Chinese provinces to Southeast Asia and beyond. Its development aims to boost economic integration and trade efficiency under China’s Belt and Road framework.

China-Europe Railway Express

The China-Europe Railway Express is a modern freight rail network connecting China with Europe, launched in 2011 as part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative. It revitalizes ancient Silk Road trade routes by transporting goods across multiple countries, significantly reducing transit times compared to sea freight. The network has grown into a key trade corridor, strengthening economic ties between Asia and Europe.