Taizhou, a dynamic manufacturing and private-sector-driven hub in Zhejiang, is a key player in China’s foreign trade. In 2025, its total foreign trade volume reached 279.98 billion RMB (US$39.2 billion) (+6.6% YoY), with exports at 255.35 billion RMB (+7.0%) and imports at 24.63 billion RMB. Private enterprises dominate, accounting for over 90% of exports, and the city trades with 200+ countries and regions. The Belt and Road markets and ASEAN are major growth drivers, with exports rising 13.4% and 29.2% YoY respectively.
1. Traditional Advantage Industries (Stable Backbone)
Taizhou’s traditional sectors form the bedrock of its exports, with complete industrial chains and strong global competitiveness.
⚙️ Electromechanical Products (Largest Export Pillar)
- 2025 exports: 158.77 billion RMB (+8.5% YoY), accounting for 62.2% of total exports—the highest share in Zhejiang.
- Auto parts: 13.8% growth; core products include engine parts, brake systems, and new energy vehicle components.
- Pumps & valves: Wenling (pumps) and Yuhuan (valves) are national clusters, supplying industrial and plumbing products worldwide.
- Sewing machinery: 9.7% growth; complete manufacturing lines for industrial and household sewing equipment.
🚢 Shipbuilding & Marine Equipment
- 2025 export growth: +111.7% YoY, the fastest-growing traditional sector.
- Products: High-speed passenger ships, yachts, and offshore engineering equipment; exported to Europe and Southeast Asia.
💊 Pharmaceutical & Chemicals
- Complete “intermediate–API–formulation” industrial chain.
- Exports: Generic drugs, medical consumables, and chemical raw materials to 100+ countries.
🪑 Furniture & Household Goods
- OEM/ODM capabilities for wooden furniture, kitchenware, and bathroom products.
- Strong demand in EU, North America, and Middle East markets.
2. Emerging Industries (New Growth Engines)
High-tech, green, and digital sectors are driving trade upgrading, led by new energy, advanced equipment, and digital trade.
🔋 New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) & “New Three” Products
- NEVs: Geely’s Linhai plant leads production; 2025 exports rose 9.7% YoY.
- Lithium batteries: Fast-growing output for EVs and energy storage.
- PV products: Solar panels and components for European and Australian markets.
🤖 High-End Equipment & Intelligent Manufacturing
- High-tech exports: 32.15 billion RMB (+8.0% YoY).
- Machine tools: 32.6% growth; precision CNC machines for global manufacturing.
- Industrial robots: Clusters in Yuhuan and Taizhou Bay; focus on automotive and electronics assembly.
- Aerospace & low-altitude economy: Satellite manufacturing (Starlink-like production lines) and drone development.
📱 Cross-Border E-Commerce & Digital Trade
- 8,472 export enterprises, with cross-border e-commerce booming.
- Key products: Auto parts, pumps, valves, and smart home devices via Amazon, AliExpress, and TikTok Shop.
- Model: “Factory + Overseas Warehouse + Live Streaming” to reach global consumers directly.
🧬 Biopharmaceuticals & Advanced Materials
- Biomedicine: Synthetic biology and innovative drug R&D; exports to Europe and Southeast Asia.
- New materials: High-performance alloys, composites, and new energy materials for EVs and renewable energy.
3. Trade Partners & Growth Drivers
- Top markets: EU (20.6% share, +6.3% YoY), ASEAN (+29.2%), Latin America (+13.6%), Africa (+21.3%).
- Private enterprises: 90%+ of exports, driving flexibility and innovation.
- Port advantage: Taizhou Port’s new routes to Southeast Asia and the Middle East support efficient cargo movement.
4. Outlook
Taizhou’s foreign trade is shifting from labor-intensive to tech-driven, green, and digital. Traditional industries are upgrading via smart manufacturing, while emerging sectors like NEVs, high-end equipment, and cross-border e-commerce lead growth. With its robust private sector, complete industrial chains, and global market reach, Taizhou will remain a key engine for Zhejiang’s high-quality foreign trade development.