In the first quarter of 2026, Shanxi province reported a total import and export value of 33.48 billion yuan ($4.91 billion), a year-on-year decrease of 6.2 percent. Exports edged down 0.8 percent to 18.1 billion yuan, while imports fell 11.9 percent to 15.38 billion yuan.

The number of active trading enterprises in the province increased significantly. During the first quarter, 2,089 enterprises recorded actual import and export activity, up 44.8 percent year-on-year, with a net increase of 646 companies.

Among the main export products, wind turbine units and parts, as well as electronic components, posted strong growth. On the import side, imports of various metal ores, copper materials, aircraft, and both natural and synthetic rubber rose substantially.

ASEAN, the EU, the United States, Australia, and South Africa emerged as the province's top five trading partners, collectively accounting for 47.5 percent of total import and export value. Meanwhile, trade with countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative reached 19.87 billion yuan, up 1.9 percent and accounting for 59.4 percent of the total.

In terms of exports to Europe, photovoltaic products and activated carbon were key contributors to growth. For imports, Shanxi recorded its first aircraft import from the EU, valued at 230 million yuan. Integrated circuit imports surged 14.6 times to 260 million yuan, while imports of locomotive wheels and axles increased by 32.5 percent to 200 million yuan, driving nearly double the growth in imports from the EU.