Nantong Customs officers inspect the cargo to be exported. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

The foreign trade volume of Nantong in East China's Jiangsu province reached 235.31 billion yuan ($32.79 billion) from January to July this year, 15.5 percent up from previous year, according to Nantong Customs.

Exports totaled 156.84 billion yuan, a 19.7 percent year-on-year, while imports were 78.47 billion yuan, rising 7.7 percent year-on-year, during the period.

In July, Nantong sustained its growth momentum, with a total import and export value reaching 35.47 billion yuan, up 14.2 percent from the previous year, marking its 13th straight month of positive growth. For the month, exports totaled 23.63 billion yuan, a 20.1 percent increase year-on-year, while imports amounted to 11.84 billion yuan, rising 3.9 percent year-on-year.

In July, Nantong's trade performance was notable, with imports and exports to ASEAN, the EU, and Hong Kong totaling 5.32 billion yuan, 5.23 billion yuan, and 3.04 billion yuan. These figures represented growth rates of 47.9 percent, 21.9 percent, and 128.4 percent, respectively, compared to the previous year.

The export goods structure has been optimized, with electromechanical products taking the lead. In July, exports of electromechanical products reached 13.2 billion yuan, showing a 42.6 percent increase and accounting for 55.9 percent of the total export value.

Nantong Customs analysis shows that, backed by sectors like shipbuilding, offshore engineering, electrical equipment, and semiconductors, Nantong's overall foreign trade fundamentals stay robust. Yet, the international policy landscape stays uncertain, and some industries and enterprises are encountering growing pressures and challenges.