Fujian's Import and Export Volume with European Union (EU) Grows Nearly 10 Percent in First Seven Months

A recent shipment of lithium-ion battery energy storage systems manufactured by CATL-KSTAR Science &Technology Co., Ltd. passed hazardous materials packaging inspection by Ningde Customs, a subsidiary of Fuzhou Customs, before being containerized for export to Europe.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of China-EU diplomatic relations. According to Fuzhou Customs statistics, Fujian Province's trade with the EU reached 151.85 billion yuan during January-July period, representing 9.1 percent year-on-year growth, with exports totaling 130.45 billion yuan, up 11.2 percent.

In terms of major trading countries, Germany and the Netherlands stood as Fujian's top two EU trading partners, with bilateral trade volumes reaching 59.09 billion yuan and 15.29 billion yuan respectively, and collectively accounting for 49 percent of the province's total EU trade volume. The most significant growth occurred in trade with Cyprus, Hungary, and Finland, surging 11.3 times, 94.3 percent and 79.2 percent correspondingly.

By trade mode, Fujian Province's EU import-export volume through general trade reached 108.14 billion yuan in the first seven months, marking 13.9 percent growth and accounting for 71.2 percent of its total EU trade during the period. By enterprise ownership, private enterprises constituted the main force in Fujian-EU trade, with total import-export value hitting 108.11 billion yuan - an 18 percent increase that represented 71.2 percent share.

Exports of self-owned brand products reached 50.5 billion yuan, a 23 percent growth, comprising 38.7 percent of Fujian's EU-bound exports. The "New Three" categories of electric vehicles, lithium batteries, and photovoltaic products achieved export value of 43.07 billion yuan, growing 33.6 percent and accounting for 33 percent of total exports.

"The global transition from traditional to clean energy underway has created tremendous EU demand for energy storage solutions," stated Chen Shaohui, Foreign Trade Director at CATL-KSTAR Science &Technology Co., Ltd. “Our battery products precisely meet EU countries' requirements for high efficiency and safety in photovoltaic energy storage batteries. Customized energy storage solutions based on Europe's specific climatic, geographical and infrastructure conditions have been designed, covering multiple application scenarios including household energy self-sufficiency and commercial and industrial electricity cost optimization. This fully satisfies the EU market's demand for solar energy storage." Chen further explained that "Customs authorities have provided in-time professional guidance during export procedures, helping us enhance product competitiveness and expand EU market share. Our EU exports reached 130 million yuan in the first seven months of this year."

Fuzhou Customs continues advancing its Smart Customs development and "Smart Customs for Stronger Nation" initiative, enhancing regulatory efficiency and service improvements while strengthening foreign trade policy support. By improving Customs-enterprise communication and promoting RCEP, AEO certification and other policy benefits, the administration helps Fujian businesses enhance international competitiveness of their products and expand EU market presence with more premium products and advanced technologies. (By Liu Zhen)