A plane taxis at Ningbo Lishe International Airport. [Photo/IC]

Ningbo Lishe International Airport in Ningbo, Zhejiang province, has seen a steady rise in imports this year, with goods ranging from daily necessities and fresh produce to industrial materials arriving from around the world and being swiftly distributed nationwide.

According to Ningbo Customs, the airport's total import value exceeded 4 billion yuan ($556 million) from January to July, marking a year-on-year increase of 13.1 percent. Imports from the European Union reached 1.33 billion yuan during the same period, a surge of 679 percent year-on-year.

The continuous expansion of international cargo routes has played a key role in driving growth. Ningbo Airport currently operates 11 freight routes, covering major trading regions such as Southeast Asia, North America, and Europe, strengthening its position as an international air logistics hub.

From January to July, Ningbo Airport imported 3.04 billion yuan worth of electromechanical products, up 23.5 percent year-on-year. The timely supply of these goods has helped stabilize local manufacturing chains and support industrial output in the region.

Meanwhile, imports of specialty foods and premium personal care products have also grown, enriching consumer options and supporting rising demand for quality lifestyles in Ningbo and neighboring cities.

To ensure efficient customs clearance, Ningbo Customs has implemented a series of trade facilitation measures. Pre-arrival declaration reviews are completed before flights land, allowing for rapid inspection and release upon arrival. These efforts help ensure uninterrupted operations for R&D and production activities.