Ningbo's exports to US surge 20.1% in April

Ningbo recorded strong trade growth with the United States in April, with trade between the two sides reaching 62.95 billion yuan ($9.25 billion) in the first four months of 2026. In April alone, trade totaled 16.99 billion yuan, up 4.2 percent year-on-year. Exports to the US rose an impressive 20.1 percent to 15.32 billion yuan.

Electromechanical products, plastic goods, and garments remained Ningbo's major export categories, with exports reaching 7.74 billion yuan, 1.19 billion yuan, and 1.18 billion yuan, respectively. Garment exports posted especially rapid growth, increasing 55 percent year-on-year.

On the import side, agricultural products ranked first, while imports of electromechanical products surged 73.5 percent to 220 million yuan.

A shipment of solid wood boards from the Port of Savannah in the US, including popular walnut and red oak materials, recently arrived at Ningbo Port. The goods were cleared the next day and transported directly to a local company's dedicated warehouse.

Customs officials said they have strengthened policy guidance and customs support for key imports such as timber, helping businesses improve efficiency and reduce declaration risks.

Meanwhile, Ningbo exporters are moving away from low-price competition and focusing instead on product quality, customized services, and faster response times to better meet changing demand in the US market.