Qianwan New Area sees sharp rise in EV exports

Zeekr smart factory in Qianwan New Area, Ningbo. [Photo/Tide News]

Ningbo's Qianwan New Area is kicking off the year with a surge in new energy vehicle (NEV) exports, signaling strong momentum in the region's foreign trade.

At the Zeekr smart factory in Qianwan, production is in full swing. Automated guided vehicles ferry towering racks of components, while robotic arms precisely install chassis and exterior parts. The factory is working around the clock to meet export demand for markets including Kyrgyzstan. In the first two months of 2026, exports of a single Polestar model produced at the factory surged 48.3 percent year-on-year, marking a strong start to the year.

The growth extends to Qianwan New Area's broader trade. Total imports and exports reached 6.44 billion yuan ($934 million), an increase of 15.3 percent year-on-year, with exports standing at 4.76 billion yuan and imports climbing to 1.68 billion yuan. Trade with countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative grew particularly fast, reaching 2.85 billion yuan, driven by both exports and imports. 

The Qianwan Free Trade Zone contributed significantly, generating 1.76 billion yuan in trade, or more than a quarter of the area's total. Observers attribute this performance to leading NEV manufacturers and sustained government support. Ningbo Customs has implemented long-term measures to streamline procedures and assist enterprises, helping local NEV producers and key component suppliers steadily expand in global markets.