According to sources from Tongling Customs, 36 international vessels entered the city’s port in May, a record monthly total since Customs clearance was set up 12 years ago. The establishment of a recycling industrial zone in the city has increased demand for imported waste metals; one-third of vessels anchoring at Tongling in May were carrying imported waste metal.

Exports of local limestone have also picked up after demand fell away late last year as a consequence of the worldwide economic downturn. The addition of two 5,000 dwt berths in the foreign trade terminal at the end of 2008 prepared for the influx of international vessels to the city.

One of the five major ports in Anhui province in the lower reaches of the Yangtze, Tongling is famous for its copper industry. Tongling Nonferrous Metal Group is China’s largest producer of electrolytic copper.