Linyi's trade with Central Asia rises 15.2%

Linyi's trade with the five Central Asian countries expanded rapidly in the first four months, as stronger product complementarity and improved overland logistics helped the city strengthen its links with overseas markets.

From January to April, Linyi's imports and exports with the five countries reached 700 million yuan ($97 million), up 15.2 percent year on year, far above the city's average foreign trade growth. General trade remained dominant, rising 33.6 percent to 660 million yuan and making up 94 percent of the total, up 13 percentage points.

Private enterprises led the growth, with trade value rising 54.3 percent to 610 million yuan, or 87.1 percent of the total. Trade with Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan grew 17.3 percent, 109.4 percent, and 51.7 percent, respectively.

The trade structure is becoming more balanced. Linyi's exports of construction machinery and agricultural products increased by 15.9 percent and 98.7 percent, respectively, while exports of unwrought aluminum and aluminum products, paper products, vehicles including chassis, and textiles and garments showed strong gains.

Imports of feed-grade wheat flour, copper wire, brass ingots, aluminum ingots, and lead ingots from Central Asia provide stable raw material supplies for local manufacturers.

Road transport has become a major growth driver. In the first four months, Linyi's road-based trade with Central Asia reached 520 million yuan, up 55.5 percent, accounting for 73.7 percent of the total, with TIR services adding an efficient cross-border option for exporters and importers in the region.

Editor：韩蒙蒙