Taicang Customs supervised the export of 439,500 vehicles through Taicang Port in 2023, marking a 139 percent growth year-on-year.

Specifically, electric vehicles accounted for 180,700 units, reflecting a 193 percent increase compared to the previous year. These record-breaking figures have positioned Taicang Port as the largest automotive export hub in Jiangsu province.

The newly operational Haitong Taicang Automotive Terminal in Taicang boasts a capacity of 20,000 standard parking spaces, with an ongoing investment exceeding 2 billion yuan. Once fully operational, the terminal is expected to handle an annual throughput of 1.3 million vehicles, making it the largest automotive roll-on/roll-off terminal along the Yangtze River.

In response to challenges faced by domestic car manufacturers struggling to secure cargo space, Taicang Port, in collaboration with COSCO Shipping Specialized Carriers Co Ltd, introduced a groundbreaking solution – the "foldable dedicated frame" transportation method.

This innovation allows vessels with cargo holds to function as automotive transport vessels. This not only ensures transportation safety but also optimizes space, effectively addressing the longstanding issue of difficulty in exporting vehicles.

To further alleviate space constraints, the Taicang Port Authority, in collaboration with logistics providers, launched a rail service for automotive exports. This move aims to help automotive companies reduce export logistics costs.

The Taicang Port's effective use of railways and waterways for car exports indicates a positive outlook for the development of a versatile export base. This base is expected to integrate storage, road transport, railway transport, water transfer, and ocean shipping logistics modes for a more comprehensive approach.

An aerial view of the Haitong Taicang Automotive Terminal in Taicang. [Photo/WeChat account: tcfbgw]