Agricultural exports in Laixi City achieved robust growth in the first quarter of the year, rising 11.5% compared to the same period last year, despite turbulent global trade conditions and mounting external pressures. This impressive performance was fueled by strong contributions from key products such as Jiulian's chicken and Dianbu carrots, as local agricultural enterprises intensified efforts to expand international market channels, demonstrating both stability and resilience.
At the production base of Jiulian Group in Guhe Subdistrict, automated production lines operate at high speed, with boxes of inspected and approved chicken products ready for shipment to high-end markets including the European Union, Japan, and South Korea. As a national demonstration base for innovation in the international agricultural product (chicken) industry, Jiulian Group has established a fully integrated industrial chain model characterized by self-breeding, self-slaughtering, and closed-loop management. Every step—from breeding and feed production to large-scale farming, slaughtering, processing, and cold-chain logistics—is strictly controlled, enabling the company to access international markets with high-quality products.
"In the first quarter, our export value exceeded 310 million yuan, up 12% year-on-year. Monthly exports currently average 5,000 tons, including 2,300 tons to the European market—an increase of 100 tons compared to the same period last year—with orders remaining consistently strong," said Li Wei, head of the export department at Qingdao Jiulian Group. The company has introduced internationally advanced breeding and slaughtering equipment and implemented fully enclosed standardized management, allowing its products to meet stringent EU quarantine standards and gain widespread international recognition as trusted meat products.
Parallel to the success of the chicken industry, Dianbu Town has experienced a surge in carrot exports. In local processing workshops, workers skillfully carry out washing, sorting, grading, and packaging. Brightly colored, crisp, and sweet "Three Red" carrots are neatly packed and continuously shipped overseas. "We are currently focusing on exporting large carrots of over two kilograms, primarily targeting markets in Japan and South Korea, with weekly shipments exceeding 10 containers. After the peak harvest season in May, weekly exports are expected to reach 20 to 30 containers, and this year's output is projected to increase by about 30%," said Geng Wenshan, president of the Laixi Dianbu Vegetable Association.
According to statistics from Laixi's commerce department, the city's agricultural product exports grew 11.5% year-on-year in the first quarter, maintaining a strong growth trend. The city is now home to more than 130 agricultural product processing and export enterprises, with products sold to over 80 countries and regions. The annual output value of agricultural product processing exceeds 25 billion yuan, with exports totaling 800 million USD—accounting for nearly one-quarter of the processing output value. This has formed an export structure driven by both livestock and vegetable sectors, supported by multiple product categories.
Zhang Xu, director of the Laixi Municipal Bureau of Commerce, highlighted that the impressive export results reflect the full-chain competitiveness of Laixi's agricultural products. First, adherence to high standards and superior quality has been crucial. Jiulian’s closed-loop management and Dianbu’s green standardized planting practices strictly control key indicators such as pesticide residues and heavy metals, helping break through international technical barriers. Geographic indications and green certifications have become passports to global markets.
Second, industry leaders have played a key role in integrating upstream and downstream resources, coordinating efforts from seedlings, planting, and breeding to processing, logistics, and trade. This has significantly improved industrial efficiency and risk resistance.
Third, diversified channels and efficient logistics have facilitated exports. The opening of cross-border freight routes has shortened transportation times and reduced cargo damage rates, effectively lowering export costs. At the same time, active exploration of emerging markets under RCEP and the Belt and Road Initiative has led to a more balanced market layout.
Fourth, supportive policies and targeted services have provided a favorable environment. The local government has implemented multiple measures to stabilize foreign trade, including facilitating business returns, offering on-site enterprise services, strengthening risk warnings, and providing policy support—all helping enterprises navigate international markets with confidence.
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