By Zhao Yu

Ningbo's exports of electric vehicles, lithium-ion batteries and photovoltaic (PV) products—collectively known as the "new trio"—reached 56.85 billion yuan in the first three quarters of this year, up 120% year on year, according to Ningbo Customs on October 23.

Exports of electric vehicles led the growth, rising 190% to 36.84 billion yuan. Lithium-ion battery exports increased 50.2% to 12.29 billion yuan, while PV product exports climbed 55.3% to 7.72 billion yuan.

Private enterprises accounted for 54.8 billion yuan of the total, up 120% year on year and representing 96.4% of Ningbo's new trio exports. The European Union, ASEAN and Australia were the main destinations, together accounting for 46.9% of the total.

PV products have emerged as a key contributor to the growth, with local manufacturers expanding shipments to established and emerging markets.

At Ningbo Ulica Solar Co., Ltd., automated production lines turn out PV modules for export to overseas markets. In the first three quarters, the company exported 1,396 containers of PV modules, with total sales exceeding 1,000 megawatts (MW). Sales volume rose 46% year on year, while export value reached 500 million yuan, up 70%.

"While continuing to strengthen our position in Europe, we have also seen substantial growth in the Americas and the Middle East," said Ma Zhaoshuang, Ulica's global sales director.

Ulica's operations span the PV supply chain, from silicon wafers and solar cells to finished modules. Its products have earned EUPD Research's Top PV Brand recognition in Europe, and the company has been included in BloombergNEF's list of Tier 1 PV module manufacturers.

However, exporting PV modules at scale presents logistical and regulatory challenges. The products must meet multiple certification requirements and strict regulatory standards, while large shipments also depend on timely customs clearance.

To help exporters move cargo more efficiently, Ningbo Customs has introduced facilitation measures including advance declaration, direct loading upon arrival and inspection by appointment. These procedures have reduced port dwell times and overall customs clearance times for large PV shipments.

"Faster customs clearance helps us turn around large orders more efficiently and respond to growing global demand for new PV installations," Ma said. "As we maintain our position in Europe, we are also working to expand our business in the Americas and the Middle East."