According to statistics from Qingdao Customs, Qingdao's import and export volume in the first 11 months of this year reached 826.98 billion yuan ($117.45 billion), accounting for 25.9 percent of Shandong province's total.

Notably, trade with countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) hit 495.79 billion yuan, a 5.1 percent increase. This now represents 60 percent of Qingdao's foreign trade, up 3.6 percentage points from last year.

This performance demonstrates both resilience and progress for the city. Despite external challenges, Qingdao has consistently maintained import and export figures exceeding 800 billion yuan for two consecutive years. The 60 percent share of trade with BRI partner countries stands out as a key growth driver, indicating new momentum for Qingdao's economic development.

As a crucial hub for China's opening-up, Qingdao uses its geographical and industrial strengths to boost competitiveness. It leads national rankings for port business environment and has pioneered financial services, such as the first cross-border guarantee using the CIPS system. Efforts to build an extensive overseas service network and support enterprises in global exhibitions strengthen its trade foundation further.

Aligning with national strategies for the upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–30) and the recent Central Economic Work Conference's emphasis on high-quality opening-up and BRI cooperation, Qingdao is positioned to foster more stable, diversified, and high-quality trade growth.

Qingdao's import and export volume in the first 11 months of this year reaches 826.98 billion yuan, accounting for 25.9 percent of Shandong province's total. [Photo/Guanhai News]