The Chongqing International Logistics Hub Park is a key node of the ILSTC, with containers neatly arranged within the park. (Photo/Wang Quanchao)
Chongqing - In Q1-Q3 2026, Chongqing's total imports and exports reached 749.8 billion yuan (approx. 112.44 billion U.S. dollars), up 29.1% year on year and 10.3% above the national average growth rate. Exports totaled 529.81 billion yuan, up 32.3%. If the current momentum continues, Chongqing's annual foreign trade volume could reach a new record high.
Behind these figures is a shift in the structure of Chongqing's manufacturing exports. From integrated circuits to new energy vehicles, a range of industries, spanning traditional electronics and emerging export categories, is driving growth and strengthening the inland city's links with global markets.
Integrated circuits have become a major driver of Chongqing's foreign trade growth this year. In the first three quarters, integrated circuit exports surged 198.1% year on year. Rising demand for AI computing power and memory has boosted the global semiconductor industry, and Chongqing is well positioned to meet this demand through its industrial supply chain.
The Chongqing Xiyong area is home to nearly 40 major companies, including China Resources Microelectronics and SK Hynix. Together, they form an industrial chain covering chip design, manufacturing, packaging and testing, supporting the sector's development.
Meanwhile, Chongqing's established industries continue to grow, while emerging export categories are expanding rapidly. In the first three quarters, laptop exports totaled 137.3 billion yuan, up 21.2%, ranking first nationwide by value. Automobile exports reached 49.42 billion yuan, up 46.5%, including 19.36 billion yuan in new energy vehicle exports, up 97.6%. Lithium battery exports rose 243.1% to 9.52 billion yuan. Motorcycle exports totaled 23.2 billion yuan, while electric motorcycle and bicycle exports doubled.
From electronics to automobiles, motorcycles and lithium batteries, Chongqing's foreign trade is increasingly supported by multiple industries. Emerging sectors are driving new growth, established industries provide a stable foundation, and the export mix is becoming more diverse.
Beyond industrial development, transport links and trade platforms are also supporting Chongqing's foreign trade growth.
Leveraging a multimodal transport network integrating rail, road, water and air transport, along with platforms such as the China-Singapore (Chongqing) Demonstration Initiative on Strategic Connectivity, pilot free trade zones and comprehensive bonded zones, Chongqing is strengthening its role as an inland gateway to global markets and facilitating overseas sales of locally manufactured goods.
New trade models are also creating more opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises to access international markets. For example, more than 2,400 businesses have registered under the market procurement trade pilot scheme at Longshui Hardware Market in Chongqing Dazu District, with products reaching 128 countries and regions. The scheme provides smaller manufacturers with a more accessible route to export markets.
Sustaining foreign trade growth also requires continued adjustments to the industrial structure. At its peak, the laptop industry accounted for more than half of Chongqing's total foreign trade. As the global laptop market adjusted, Chongqing's annual foreign trade volume remained above 700 billion yuan, underscoring the role of industrial diversification in stabilizing trade growth.
Chongqing is continuing to promote the global expansion of its locally made vehicles, with companies such as Seres accelerating their expansion into European markets. Its motorcycle industry is also expanding overseas, with brands such as Kove and ZXMOTO seeing continued growth in overseas orders. Meanwhile, market procurement trade and other models are providing more SMEs with low-cost channels to enter international markets.