Statistics from Xiamen Customs showed that in August, Xiamen's import and export volume with four other BRCIS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, and South Africa) hit 11.55 billion yuan ($1.66 billion), an increase of 56.3 percent year-on-year.

Of which, its export volume increased 50.9 percent to 3.11 billion yuan while its import volume increased 58.4 percent to 8.44 billion yuan.

From January to August, Xiamen's total import and export volume with BRICS countries reached 59.39 billion yuan, an increase of 26.2 percent year-on-year, which accounted for 9.8 percent of the city's total foreign trade.

According to statistics, Xiamen's trade with Russia, South Africa, and Brazil increased rapidly, amounting to 20.03 billion yuan, 8.99 billion yuan, and 18.92 billion yuan, respectively, up 48.5 percent, 33.7 percent, and 20.6 percent.

From January to August, Xiamen's State-owned companies accounted for the largest share of the city's imports and exports with BRICS countries, with their import and export volume reaching 33.81 billion yuan, an increase of 32.3 percent, and accounted for 56.9 percent of the city's total.

Xiamen's private companies and foreign-invested companies achieved 20.92 billion yuan and 4.66 billion yuan, respectively, from imports and exports with BRICS countries during the same time period.

Metal ore and mineral sand, agricultural products, and coal and lignite were the major imports during the January-to-August period, amounting to 11.96 billion yuan, 7.98 billion yuan, and 8.73 billion yuan, respectively.

During the same period, mechanical and electrical products, and labor-intensive products were the major exports, reaching 7.1 billion yuan and 4.81 billion yuan, respectively.

A cargo ship loaded with containers prepares to set sail at a port in Xiamen, Fujian province. [Photo/WeChat account: xiamen_swj]