A bird's-eye view of Hangzhou's CBD. [Photo/CFP]

Hangzhou's exports surged 10.9 percent year-on-year to 519.32 billion yuan ($71.2 billion) from January to November, marking five consecutive months of double-digit growth. The city's trade innovations in areas such as cross-border e-commerce and high-value exports like lithium-battery forklifts and IoT devices continue to expand its global reach.

Hangzhou International Airport, the largest air hub in Zhejiang, facilitated the export of 166,200 metric tons of goods in the first three quarters, surpassing last year's total. Meanwhile, Hangzhou-based companies have seen booming sales of innovative products such as pet and outdoor goods in overseas markets through cross-border e-commerce platforms. Additionally, the city continues to lead in the global smart IoT industry, with security devices reaching buyers worldwide. 

Hangcha Group, a leader in forklift manufacturing, recorded strong export growth with its lithium-powered models. The company is expanding globally, with a new manufacturing base in Thailand set to enhance its regional presence.

Hangzhou's diverse trade ecosystem is bolstered by its cross-border e-commerce sector. Since the approval of China's first cross-border e-commerce pilot zone in Hangzhou in 2015, the city has grown from 200 sellers to over 63,000 in 2023. Notably, 212 companies now report annual trade volumes exceeding 100 million yuan.

Hangzhou's efforts align with Zhejiang's broader strategy for high-level openness, focusing on enhancing global competitiveness, resource allocation, and institutional innovation. With platforms like the Free Trade Zone and Digital Trade Expo, Hangzhou is set to further accelerate its growth, reinforcing its role as a pillar of Zhejiang's trade ambitions.

Agents from Thailand visit the Hangcha Plant in Hangzhou. [Photo/WeChat account: HANGCHA_GROUP]