Chongqing - Demonstrating its burgeoning role as a global trading powerhouse, the Chongqing Customs District has released export statistics for the first quarter, highlighting the city's robust growth and promising future in international markets.

Chongqing's notebook exports in Q1 2024. (Graphics/Chen Zhan)

Chongqing, a central manufacturing hub, has seen its notebook computer exports surge to a leading position nationally with a value of 36.09 billion yuan (about USD 5.08 billion), marking a 9.3% increase from the previous year.

The city's automobile exports rose to 8.92 billion yuan, marking a 24.1% increase. Electric vehicle exports surged by 219.4% to 1.75 billion yuan, outpacing the national growth rate by 199.8 percentage points.

Chongqing's automobile and electric vehicle exports in Q1 2024. (Graphics/Chen Zhan)

Furthermore, customs quickly resolved challenges that local businesses faced in their international trade efforts. For instance, a computer company had a batch of laptops meant for Germany, but the declaration forms were filled out incorrectly. This error threatened to delay delivery and could have significantly damaged the company’s reputation.

In response, customs implemented "cloud" processing for fast clearance. They assessed the company's reliability and risk factors and worked with port customs to speed up material reviews and approvals. The entire process was completed in under forty minutes, guaranteeing the prompt dispatch of goods.

Chongqing's trade exports in Q1 2024. (Graphics/Chen Zhan)

Chongqing's strategic focus on developing new quality productive forces, particularly in sectors like electronics and automotive, has played a crucial role in boosting the city's export growth. 

In the first quarter of this year, the Chongqing Customs District boosted the city's trade exports to 109.15 billion yuan, up 2.6% yearly.