By Zhao Yu

Ningbo Airport reported strong growth in trade in the first two months of the year, according to data released by Ningbo Airport Customs. Total import and export cargo volume reached 9,749.9 tonnes, up 72.5% year on year, while total trade value climbed 208.6% to 4.98 billion yuan.

Exports led the increase, totaling 3.86 billion yuan, a rise of 257.7% from a year earlier. Mechanical and electrical products accounted for the bulk of outbound shipments, with exports reaching 3.29 billion yuan—up 472.5%—and making up more than 85% of the airport's total export value.

TXC Ningbo Electronics Co., Ltd., a manufacturer of quartz components--crystals, oscillators, and frequency components--used in automotive electronics, reported a revenue of 150 million yuan in the first two months. "Trade has been strong this year, with January revenues rising more than 30% from the previous month," said general manager Zhao Minjiang.

Imports at Ningbo Airport also posted solid growth, reaching 1.12 billion yuan, up 109.3% year on year. Agricultural products were a key driver, with imports of items such as lobsters, crabs and eels totaling 210 million yuan, a surge of 337.7%. Lobster imports alone increased more than fifteenfold.

The Hong Kong SAR remained Ningbo Airport's largest trading partner during the period, with trade totaling 2.72 billion yuan, up 598.3% and accounting for 54.6% of the airport's total trade value.

Officials attributed the growth in part to the expansion of international cargo routes. The airport currently operates nine international routes linking Ningbo with destinations including Liège, New York, Dhaka and Hong Kong, forming a network that connects major markets across Europe, North America and Asia.

Multimodal logistics have also supported trade flows. Through air-to-air transfers and air-road connections, Ningbo Airport has strengthened links with domestic hubs, allowing cargo to and from surrounding regions to move more efficiently through its network.