Port at the Xiamen Area of the China (Fujian) Pilot Free Trade Zone [Photo/VCG]

Statistics from Xiamen Customs show that the coastal city registered an import-export value of 465.3 billion yuan ($65.8 billion) in the first three quarters of 2019, up 3.9 percent year-on-year. 

Xiamen's imports hit 205.97 billion yuan, growing 0.5 percent compared with the same period last year, while its exports increased 6.8 percent year-on-year to 259.33 billion yuan. 

The city's import and export market showed steady growth from January to September, despite a brief fall in February when the traditional Chinese New Year holiday took place and trade was suspended. 

ASEAN, EU, and the United States remained Xiamen's three major trade partners, contributing 44.3 percent to the city's total import-export value. 

Imports and exports between Xiamen and ASEAN, EU countries reached 77.23 and 65.47 billion yuan, growing 4.2 and 7.4 percent, respectively. Trade between Xiamen and the US decreased 18.9 percent to 63.53 billion yuan. 

Mechanical and electrical products accounted for the largest proportion of Xiamen's imports. The city also saw a surge in demand for coal and iron, manganese and copper ore. 

Xiamen mainly exported labor-intensive products and mechanical and electrical products.