Industrial robots made in Wuxi. [Photo/Wuxi Daily]
Wuxi, Jiangsu province, recorded a total import and export volume of 230.72 billion yuan ($33.81 billion) from January to March, reflecting a 26.9 percent year-on-year increase, according to the latest data from Wuxi Customs.
This marks the first time Wuxi's trade volume has surpassed the 200 billion yuan threshold in the first quarter, with the growth rate reaching its highest level in nearly five years.
Meanwhile, the global surge in artificial intelligence and green, low-carbon industries is unlocking new growth opportunities for Wuxi-made products in international markets.
Exports of electromechanical products reached 131.11 billion yuan, up 44.1 percent year-on-year, accounting for nearly 80 percent of the total export value. At the same time, exports of intelligent equipment, including welding robots, handling robots, industrial robots, and special operation robots, doubled. Industrial robot exports alone amounted to nearly 80.98 million yuan in the first three months, a 162.2 percent increase.
In the first three months, Wuxi's trade with major partners experienced significant growth. Trade with ASEAN countries jumped 30.6 percent, that with South Korea rose 22.1 percent, and its business with the EU climbed 15.2 percent.
During the same period, trade with countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative amounted to 113 billion yuan, a 20.7 percent increase, accounting for 49 percent of the city's total import and export value.
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