Foreign deals continue to increase despite challenges

China’s foreign trade maintained growth momentum into the first quarter of this year, with data from the General Administration of Customs showing that the country’s trade in goods stood at 8.47 trillion yuan ($1.3 trillion) during the period, up 29.2 percent year-on-year.

Despite the rebounding demand in the international market, businesses in foreign trade still face challenges. Commercial authorities in different regions have taken action to help local businesses weather the difficulties.

In Wuxi, Jiangsu province, home appliance manufacturer Little Swan has regained business contacts and won new overseas orders. Yet due to the clogged international logistics network and the shortage of packaging boxes, the company has some one-quarter of its stock unable to be shipped a month.

The Wuxi commercial bureau coordinated with related government agencies, freight companies, and port and railway station executives to address its needs.

Exporters of agricultural products also faced a shrinkage in profit margin and difficulties in shipping exports, due to a shortage of international freight capacity by sea and rising freight.

The China Chamber of Commerce of Import and Export of Foodstuffs, Native Produce and Animal By-products reported this to related government departments and called for support for exporters.

In Chongqing, the city’s commercial commission made inspection tours, held teleconferences and conducted surveys to learn about local businesses’ needs. It helped them adapt marketing models to the pandemic situation, making full use of new media and exploring livestreaming for expansion in foreign trade.

The Shaanxi Provincial Department of Commerce briefed local companies on the event. It encouraged rural areas that have been lifted out of poverty to enter a special exhibition section of the fair, which is dedicated to rural revitalization.