Data released by the provincial commerce department on Sunday shows that Jilin's trade volume with ASEAN member states hit 9.13 billion yuan in the first eight months of this year, marking a 28.1 percent increase compared to the same period last year.

Jilin-made automobiles, agricultural machinery, and ginseng products are entering Southeast Asian markets at a faster pace, while tropical goods such as durian, bird's nest, and natural rubber from ASEAN countries are increasingly appearing on shelves in the northeastern Chinese province.

Among all ASEAN partners, Vietnam stands out as the fastest-growing market for Jilin. Bilateral trade surged by 121.8 percent year-on-year during the January-to-August period. The province primarily exports auto parts, farming equipment, electrical gear, and processed food to Vietnam, while importing electronic components and agricultural products in return.

Trade with Thailand also climbed 25.4 percent, with exports jumping 55.2 percent. Key export items to Thailand include vehicles, agricultural machinery, and ginseng-based health products, while imports center on farm produce and rubber.

Malaysia has emerged as a vital partner for Jilin's wellness and agricultural product trade. Ginseng from the Changbai Mountain region has gained notable traction in Malaysia, where the province is also collaborating with Sabah state on corn seed research and vehicle assembly projects. Malaysian durian and bird's nest products continue to flow steadily into China's northeastern market.

Indonesia serves as a major export destination for Jilin's equipment manufacturing sector, while Singapore, the Philippines, Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos primarily receive vehicles and food products from the province.

According to the provincial commerce department, Jilin's engagement with ASEAN is evolving from simple product sales toward deeper cooperation in building distribution channels, expanding market reach, and developing local industries. The province is setting up more exhibition platforms and trade service networks tailored to the consumption habits and regulatory frameworks of different ASEAN markets, helping local businesses establish a stronger foothold across the region.