The value of imports and exports passing through China’s bonded zones and other special areas increased 17 per cent year-on-year to US$300bn in 2008, said China Customs. Exports grew 21.7 per cent to US$152.6bn and imports rose 12.2 per cent to US$146.9bn.

Bonded processing and logistics zones, as well as bonded ports and other special areas, accounted for 28 per cent of China’s processing trade volume in 2008. China has 94 such zones, offering protective tariffs for imported goods and simplified customs procedures.