Taicang Port in east China's Jiangsu Province has seen a significant surge in new energy vehicle (NEV) exports since the beginning of 2025, with automobile throughput expected to reach 65,000 in the first month.
Taicang Port stands as the largest export base along the Yangtze River for products such as photovoltaics, NEVs, and lithium battery storage cabinets, with exported cars accounting for one-tenth of the national total.
In addition to NEVs, lithium battery storage cabinet manufactured in China have emerged as another hot export item at Taicang Port.
At the Zhenghe International Wharf of Taicang Port, the average daily container throughput reached nearly 10,000 TEUs during the Spring Festival holiday, with the wharf's tower cranes operating around the clock at full capacity.
Various port departments are working in coordination to ensure smooth exports. Additionally, the wharf underwent early reconstruction to meet safety standards for lithium battery storage cabinets.
Taicang Port sees surge in NEV throughput since beginning of 2025
Fuel price hikes due to the U.S.-Israel-Iran conflict are placing significant cost pressures on livelihood industries in the Philippines and New Zealand, which are heavily dependent on imported energy, while also driving the growth of the new energy vehicle market.
In various gas stations across Manila, the Philippine capital, diesel prices have surged more than twice the levels seen at the end of February, with increases also noted in liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) prices.
Businesses such as restaurants and vendors relying on LPG have expressed concerns over escalating costs, fearing they may soon be unable to cover their expenses.
"The cost of our goods has gone up. Our income has decreased as a result. The money we earn is barely enough to cover restocking, let alone pay our employees' wages," said Rey, a food vendor.
In Auckland, New Zealand, a senior executive at a local car dealership said the surge in fuel prices is prompting more consumers in the country to shift from conventional cars to new energy vehicles.
"(Fuel price hike) really has increased the sale of our electric vehicles, particularly battery electric vehicles. Consumers are now experiencing battery electric vehicles. They see their economic advantage. It's good for the market. It's also good for New Zealand in terms of sustainability," said Simon Rutherford, CEO of Auto Distributors New Zealand, a division of Armstrong Motor Group.
Fuel price hikes squeeze livelihoods in energy-importing Philippines, New Zealand
