Taizhou in Zhejiang province saw a 17.3 percent year-on-year growth in its foreign trade in the first quarter of 2025, the second-highest growth rate in the province, Taizhou Customs released on April 22.

The total imports and exports reached 72.36 billion yuan ($9.93 billion). Exports amounted to 66.38 billion yuan, up 18.0 percent, while imports rose by 10.6 percent to 5.98 billion yuan.

During this period, Taizhou is committed to diversifying its international market presence, witnessing robust growth in emerging markets. Exports to countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative surged by 16.3 percent, constituting 11.9 percent of the city's total exports.

Exports to emerging markets like ASEAN, Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa increased by 20.5 percent, 33.6 percent, 1.6 percent, and 35.6 percent, respectively.

In traditional markets, exports to the EU soared by 21.2 percent, accounting for 20.8 percent of the total and emerging as a key growth driver.

Mechanical and electrical products, traditional pillars of Taizhou's industry, excelled in export performance, registering a 16.9 percent increase in the first quarter. This sector constituted 56.7 percent of the city's total exports.

Private enterprises emerged as major players, with exports totaling 66.21 billion yuan, up by 19.0 percent and representing 91.6 percent of Taizhou's total. The Taizhou Federation of Industry and Commerce attributed this success to private enterprises' agile response to international market dynamics, leveraging their flexibility and innovation to spearhead the exploration of new markets and orders.