Trade with BRI countries surges

Shenzhen's trade with countries under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) reached 100.65 billion yuan (US$14.43 billion) in October, up by 70.3% over September, data from Shenzhen Customs showed yesterday.

Specifically, exports increased by 114.7% to 68.12 billion yuan and imports increased by 18.9% to 32.53 billion yuan.

The increase was partly attributed to the increase of imported fruits and exports of mechanical and electrical products.

Fruits from BRI countries like blueberries from Peru and cherries from Chile are popular in Chinese markets. They were imported via Shenzhen Bay Checkpoint and distributed to wholesale and retail markets.

The city’s exports of mechanical and electrical products to BRI countries reached 43.14 billion yuan in October, up by 68.2% over September, accounting for more than 60% of the total exports with BRI countries in October. Shenzhen-made mobile phones, panels and televisions are expanding their presence at international markets.

“Since we have established a business relationship with our Russian client, the intelligent speakers we produce have a high demand. Exports to Russia reached 630 million yuan in the first 10 months of this year, up by 128.4% year on year,” said Cai Yasi, manager of Shenzhen F&D Science and Technology Co. Ltd.

In another development, exports via Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport between January and November increased by 21.1% year on year.

Cargo planes are parked at the tarmac of Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport. Sun Jiaxin

In 2022, the Shenzhen airport opened six new international cargo routes and intensified flights on 10 cargo routes. So far, 28 airline companies operate cargo businesses at the airport including Qatar Airways, SF Airlines, DHL and UPS.

In 2022, the Shenzhen airport initiated the construction of eight logistics facilities with a floor area covering 800,000 square meters. The facilities, upon operation, can accommodate an additional 1.5 million tons of mails and parcels a year.