By Jin Lu

Ningbo's exports of electric vehicles (EVs), lithium-ion batteries and photovoltaic (PV) products —known as the "new trio" of China — continued to grow rapidly in the first five months of 2026.

Exports of the three categories totaled 28.51 billion yuan from January to May, up 140% year on year. EV exports accounted for 18.11 billion yuan, while lithium-ion batteries and PV products contributed 5.95 billion yuan and 4.44 billion yuan, respectively.

Private businesses remained the main driver of growth, generating 27.12 billion yuan in exports, or 95.1% of the city's total "new trio" exports during the period.

The growth reflects a broader shift among Ningbo manufacturers from exporting products alone to exporting technology, standards, and tailored green energy solutions.

Ningbo Ulica Solar has strengthened its international operations through a sales company and warehouse in Germany while expanding into emerging markets along the Belt and Road, such as Ukraine. The company reported a 48.1% increase in PV product exports during the first five months of the year.

Meanwhile, Shuangyili (Ningbo) Battery has secured energy storage projects in the United States and Malaysia, deploying its liquid-cooled commercial and industrial systems; it is also expanding into markets across the Middle East, Southeast Asia and Africa. The company's lithium battery exports rose 230% year on year.

To support the sector's growth, Ningbo Customs has introduced measures to help battery exporters better comply with hazardous-goods packaging requirements. Officials said the initiatives have reduced packaging costs by about 30% while maintaining inspection pass rates above 99%.