China-Laos Railway sees 31.5% trade value growth

(ECNS) -- The China–Laos Railway handled 3.822 million metric tons of cross‑border goods worth 23.38 billion yuan ($3.49 billion) in the first eight months of 2026, Kunming Customs said.

Overall import and export value rose 31.5 percent year on year, with exports at 11.24 billion yuan and imports at 12.14 billion yuan. Imports have become increasingly diversified, with tropical fruits such as durians and mangosteens valued at 5.26 billion yuan, up 12.3 percent, while bulk metal ore imports reached 2.49 billion yuan, a 28.7% increase.

Exports also showed strong momentum. Mechanical and electrical products hit 7.42 billion yuan, up 58.4%. Photovoltaic product exports surged 245.3% to 2.04 billion yuan, while new energy vehicle exports jumped 326.1% to 690 million yuan, underscoring the competitiveness of Chinese smart manufacturing.

(By Helen Mo & intern Lin Qiaochu)