In the first three quarters, Zhejiang's foreign trade performance was impressive. Both import and export growth rates exceeded the national average, with Zhejiang ranking third in import and export, second in exports, and fifth in imports nationwide.

The fourth quarter is often considered the off-season for exports by those in the foreign trade industry, as most customers place orders in the first three quarters to receive goods before Christmas.

However, at the ongoing 136th Canton Fair, reporters found that the off-season was not so sluggish, and Zhejiang's foreign trade professionals were particularly busy.

What is driving Zhejiang's foreign trade to maintain its momentum throughout the fourth quarter and throughout the year?

At the Canton Fair, businesses expressed it quite bluntly: "For those in foreign trade, hard work brings the peak season; without it, there will always be an off-season."

What gives Zhejiang's foreign trade the confidence to break free from the constraints of trends and off-seasons?

It relies on standing out in its star sectors. Mechanical and electrical products are Zhejiang's largest category of export commodities, with rapid growth and significant contributions in the first three quarters. Export growth in this category has been higher than the national average for seven consecutive quarters, and Zhejiang's export share ranks third nationwide. Specifically, mobile phones, computers, and household appliances in the province are seizing the opportunity of the global technology consumption uptrend, especially the rapidly increasing demand for consumer electronics, to accelerate exports.

It seeks new areas of growth. The Annual Observation Report on Global Digital Trade Rules points out that digital trade grows faster than global trade and its share in global trade continues to increase. At the end of September, Zhejiang hosted the third Global Digital Trade Expo, bringing a wave of development dividends in the field of digital trade.

It boasts a solid foundation and steady growth in new business forms. In the first three quarters, Zhejiang's cross-border e-commerce exports increased by more than 20% year-on-year, far outpacing the national growth rate. Despite its leading position, policies continue to be implemented with force.