Tonghai Port in Nantong. [Photo provided to en.nantong.gov.cn]

Nantong's foreign trade reached 354.92 billion yuan ($53.19 billion) in the first three quarters of 2026, up 6.3 percent year-on-year, exceeding 350 billion yuan for the first time in the same period on record, according to local customs authorities.

Exports rose 3.2 percent to 237.84 billion yuan, while imports climbed 13.3 percent to 117.08 billion yuan. The city's monthly trade exceeded 40 billion yuan for four consecutive months from June. In September, imports reached a record 15.63 billion yuan, up 28.6 percent from the corresponding period in 2025.

Trade with the European Union (EU) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) increased 27.3 percent and 13.7 percent, respectively. Among emerging markets, trade with India, Australia, and Brazil grew 70.8 percent, 43 percent, and 12.5 percent, respectively.

Manufacturing remained a key driver. Mechanical and electrical products accounted for 59.6 percent of exports. Ship exports rose 23.4 percent to 32.36 billion yuan, while electrical equipment exports surged 60.3 percent to 27.71 billion yuan. Exports of lithium batteries, photovoltaic products and wind turbines grew 123.9 percent, 224.9 percent and 397.6 percent, respectively.

Imports of manufacturing products climbed 19.4 percent, supported by industries including shipbuilding and marine engineering, electrical equipment, electronic information, textiles and chemicals.