China's Hebei sees steady foreign trade growth in Jan-July

SHIJIAZHUANG -- Hebei province in North China posted steady foreign trade growth in the first seven months of 2023, according to local customs.

Hebei's total imports and exports grew 4 percent year-on-year to 320 billion yuan ($43.9 billion) in the period, said Shijiazhuang Customs.

In breakdown, exports hit 195.94 billion yuan, marking a 5.5-percent increase from the same period last year, while imports edged up 1.7 percent to 124.08 billion yuan.

The province's trade with its major trading partners -- Australia and the United States -- came in at 44.49 billion yuan and 34.13 billion yuan, respectively.

From January to July, the province's trade with countries along the Belt and Road rose 9.8 percent year-on-year to 116.23 billion yuan.

Its exports of mechanical, electrical, labor-intensive and agricultural products maintained growth. The province also increased its imports of iron ore, coal and soybeans.