Ningbo's imports and exports reached 1.19 trillion yuan ($178.4 billion) in the first three quarters of this year, up 8.8 percent year-on-year. The number of foreign trade enterprises with actual import and export performance rose to 32,000, up 2,587, while growth accelerated quarter by quarter, from 5.9 percent in Q1 to 6.9 percent in the first half and 8.8 percent in the first three quarters. In September alone, the city's monthly trade volume hit a record 150.86 billion yuan, surpassing 150 billion yuan for the first time and up 22.5 percent year-on-year.

Exports rose 11.3 percent year-on-year to 822.29 billion yuan, with local exporters adjusting their product mix to tap niche markets. For example, Ningbo Lesli Industrial is drawing buyer interest at the Canton Fair with its compact condensing dryer, while Atek Home Appliances has shifted from whole-machine trading to providing technical services for clients in Turkey and Egypt, helping overseas firms build local production capacity.

Imports grew 3.6 percent to 365.9 billion yuan, partly thanks to zero-tariff treatment for African countries with diplomatic ties since May 1. 

Private enterprises accounted for 78.6 percent of the city's total trade at 934.03 billion yuan. Exports of self-owned brands rose 32.7 percent and now account for 21.3 percent of total exports. The European Union, Association of Southeast Asian Nations, and the United States remained Ningbo's top three trading partners, while emerging markets such as Latin America and Africa contributed 25.4 percent of the city's trade growth.