Baotou's imports and exports were valued at 14.45 billion yuan ($2.02 billion) in the first half of this year, a year-on-year increase of 24.5 percent. Exports were valued at 6.17 billion yuan, an increase of 8.4 percent, while imports were valued at 8.28 billion yuan, up 39.9 percent year on year.

Exports are mainly steel and mechanical and electrical products valued at 5.2 billion yuan, accounting for 84.3 percent of total exports. Imports are mainly coal, lignite, metal ore and mineral sands valued at 7.08 billion yuan, accounting for 85.5 percent of total imports.

Mongolia, Australia, South Korea and the United States are Baotou's main trade partners.

The country's trade with countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative was valued at 7.23 billion yuan, up 102 percent year-on-year.