In the first half of 2025, Zhangjiagang's total foreign trade value reached 131.75 billion yuan ($18.34 billion), up 0.6 percent year-on-year, accounting for 10.2 percent of Suzhou's total foreign trade. Exports totaled 76.52 billion yuan, surging 11.9 percent.
June alone saw a marked boost, with total imports and exports hitting 25.77 billion yuan, up 10.4 percent year-on-year. Exports rose 15.8 percent to 13.86 billion yuan, while imports climbed 4.7 percent to 11.91 billion yuan.
Mechanical and electrical products were the main growth driver, with exports soaring to 24.51 billion yuan, marking an 18.9 percent increase. Among the top contributors was Magna Electronics' branch in Zhangjiagang, which has made an impact. The company specializes in Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) for the automotive sector, providing essential components such as 360° surround view systems, reversing cameras, and forward-facing safety cameras to major global automakers.
General Manager Zhou Mingye revealed that the company sells half of its products to domestic original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), with the other half exported to the Asia-Pacific market, including Japan and South Korea. Zhou expects a 20 percent sales increase this year, citing Zhangjiagang's favorable port conditions, efficient transport links, and strong government support — particularly customs' proactive guidance to shorten clearance times.
In recent years, Zhangjiagang Customs has streamlined clearance processes, introduced "one-on-one" service menus, provided 24-hour customs appointments, promoted integrated and advanced declaration models, and strengthened intellectual property protection with tailored assistance, enabling enterprises to expand into new markets more effectively.
An aerial view of Zhangjiagang Port. [Photo/VCG]