According to recent data by Qingdao Customs, in 2006, textiles and apparel exports by Shandong ports showed a steady growth, including textile yarn, fabrics, made-up, and clothing accessories. Total exports amounted to US $12.63 billion, an increase of 18.8 percent over the previous year. The main characteristics are as follows:
First, trade mode changed from processing trade into general trade. Textile and garment exports in general trade were $7.19 billion, an increase of 20.6 percent, accounting for 56.9 percent of the total textile and garment export value. Processing trade exports were $5.39 billion, an increase of 16.6 percent.
Second, main export markets were growing steadily. Exports to Japan, the United States and the European Union all showed a steady growth, with amounts to $3.15 billion, $2.05 billion and $1.71 billion, respectively, representing an increase of 12.5 percent, 13.5 percent and 18.9 percent. Exports to South Korea were $1.95 billion, up 27.2 percent. Exports to the above mentioned markets together accounted for 70.2 percent of the total export value.
Third, textile and clothing exports maintained steady growth momentum. Textile exports were $6.38 billion, an increase of 19.4 percent, and garment exports were $6.35 billion, a rise of 18.1 percent.
Fourth, exports of private sector gained rapid growth, while state-owned enterprises were sluggish in export growth. Private textile and apparel exports were $2.71 billion, an increase of 49.2 percent, higher than the overall growth rate of 30.4 percent. State-owned enterprises exported $2.89 billion, a slight increase of 3.6 percent. Foreign-invested enterprises, collective enterprises exported $4.8 billion and $2.23 billion, respectively, a growth of 17.2 percent and 15.3 percent, respectively.