Storyline: China's import market has demonstrated robust resilience and steady growth through the first 10 months of the year, characterized by a consistent monthly upward trend, expanding volume, and an optimized import structure, according to the latest data from the General Administration of Customs. The data reveal that from January to October, China's total imports reached 15.19 trillion yuan (about 2.1 trillion U.S. dollars). The growth is bolstered by significant increases in key commodities: crude oil and metal ore imports rose by 3.1 and 4.6 percent, respectively, in volume. Imports of mechanical and electrical products, which account for 40 percent of the total import value, also increased 5.5 percent. In October, China's imports reached 1.53 trillion yuan, a 1.4 percent increase. As northern China enters the winter heating season, the need for clean energy has surged. Recently, the Caofeidian Port in north China's Hebei province, a crucial energy import hub in the country's north, received a Qatari LNG carrier delivering 61,000 tons of liquefied natural gas. During the peak winter gas consumption period, the terminal's maximum daily gas supply can meet one-third of Beijing's daily demand. To ensure a secure and efficient supply, local customs authorities have implemented streamlined measures. "On one hand, we have established a cooperation mechanism with local authorities to achieve full-chain safety supervision of imported LNG from unloading to outward transfer. On the other hand, we have implemented measures such as 'declaration in advance' and 'appointment-based inspection' to facilitate cargo inspection and customs clearance efficiency, ensuring that the imported LNG can be 'cleared upon arrival'," said Zhang Zhiwei, Chief of Second Inspection Section from Caofeidian Customs, Shijiazhuang Customs. Over the past five years, the Tangshan Port, where Caofeidian is located, has seen annual average growth of 9.1 percent in LNG imports and 8.2 percent in iron ore imports. The port is now the world's second busiest by cargo throughput, playing a vital role in securing China's energy and industrial supply chains. "As of October, China's imports have increased for five consecutive months, driving a steady recovery in the cumulative import growth rate. The 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE) is underway in Shanghai these days, attracting global merchants and showcasing a wider range of new products. China continues to open its super-large market to the world. Since the beginning of this year, China's imports from Latin America, Africa, and Central Asian countries have increased by 1, 5.2, and 23.7 percent respectively," said Lyu Daliang, head of the department of statistics and analysis, General Administration of Customs. Shotlist: Shijiazhuang City, Hebei Province, north China - Recent: 1. Various of LNG carrier from Qatar 2. SOUNDBITE (Chinese) Zhang Zhiwei, Chief, Second Inspection Section, Caofeidian Customs, Shijiazhuang Customs (ending with shots 3-4): "On one hand, we have established a cooperation mechanism with local authorities to achieve full-chain safety supervision of imported LNG from unloading to outward transfer. On the other hand, we have implemented measures such as 'declaration in advance' and 'appointment-based inspection' to facilitate cargo inspection and customs clearance efficiency, ensuring that the imported LNG can be 'cleared upon arrival'." 3. LNG carrier from Qatar 4. Various of customs officers inspecting LNG carrier from Qatar 5. Various of port facilities, oil storage tanks; metal ores; ship Beijing, China - Recent: 6. SOUNDBITE (Chinese) Lyu Daliang, head, department of statistics and analysis, General Administration of Customs (ending with shot 7): "As of October, China's imports have increased for five consecutive months, driving a steady recovery in the cumulative import growth rate. The 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE) is underway in Shanghai these days, attracting global merchants and showcasing a wider range of new products. China continues to open its super-large market to the world. Since the beginning of this year, China's imports from Latin America, Africa, and Central Asian countries have increased by 1, 5.2, and 23.7 percent respectively." Shanghai, east China - Recent: 7. Various of venue for 2025 CIIE 8. Various of exhibition booths, products on display, visitors at CIIE 9. Various of posters promoting CIIE, Hongqiao Forum [Restrictions: No access Chinese mainland]