Maoming Customs officers oversee the import of nickel-iron. [Photo/WeChat account: maofabu]

In the first five months of this year, Maoming's import and export volume reached 5.27 billion yuan ($725.6 million), a 22.2 percent increase compared to the same period last year. Imports accounted for 3.33 billion yuan of that number, marking a significant 51.2 percent growth rate.

During the first five months, Maoming's private enterprises contributed 2.63 billion yuan to the import and export figures, a 4.2 percent year-on-year increase and representing 49.9 percent of Maoming's total import and export value during the same period. State-owned enterprises recorded 1.43 billion yuan in imports and exports, marking a remarkable 101.9 percent growth rate and constituting 27.1 percent of the total.

Over the first five months, Maoming's import and export value with countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative reached 2.32 billion yuan, an 81.9 percent increase year-on-year. Trade with other RCEP member countries amounted to 710 million yuan, growing 2.2 percent.

Maoming imported crude oil worth 1.43 billion yuan in the first five months, marking a 101.9 percent increase, all imported through bonded channels.

In the same period, Maoming's seafood exports reached 800 million yuan, a 7.8 percent increase. Notably, the export of tilapia amounted to 640 million yuan, a 12.5 percent growth rate.