The county-level city of Rugao reported strong foreign trade performance in the first two months of 2025, with total import and export value reaching 6.94 billion yuan ($954.61 million), a 29.6 percent year-on-year increase. This figure represents 11.1 percent of Nantong's total foreign trade value during the same period.

Exports rose to 5.23 billion yuan, up 26.3 percent, while imports surged 41 percent to 1.71 billion yuan, reflecting robust domestic and international demand. 

The export sector was led by electromechanical products, which accounted for 53.9 percent of total exports, with shipments worth 2.82 billion yuan — a sharp increase of 60.1 percent compared to the previous year. Meanwhile, miscellaneous manufactured goods, textiles, and apparel saw more modest growth of 2.6 percent and 7.4 percent, respectively, jointly making up 29.8 percent of Rugao’s export value.

On the import side, pulp, animal and vegetable oils, and chemical products were key contributors. The share of animal and vegetable oils and chemical products in total imports increased by 4.8 and 12.7 percentage points, respectively, signaling shifting industrial demand.

Private and foreign-invested enterprises remained the backbone of Rugao's foreign trade expansion. From January to February, private enterprises recorded a total import and export value of 3.67 billion yuan, up 30.2 percent, accounting for 52.8 percent of the city's total trade value.