Customs officials inspect a copy of a preferential certificate in Yiwu, Zhejiang province. [Photo/zgyww.cn]

In the first quarter of 2020, Yiwu customs issued 727 preferential certificates of origin to exports worth over 89 million yuan ($12.56 million), up 440.6 percent and 578.7 percent year-on-year, local media reported on April 20.

The preferential certificates were mostly issued to face masks, protective suits, and other epidemic prevention equipment exported to South Korea, Australia, ASEAN countries, and Chile, and will save importers over seven million yuan in tariffs.

A customs official said that the certificate of origin is an important means of expanding regional exports amidst slow global economic recovery, sluggish international trade, and declining market demand.

"We are promoting remote applications. Exporters are encouraged to apply online and print the certificates themselves. Expedited approval services are offered for trade between China and South Korea, China and Australia."

Customs statistics showed that, in the first quarter, Yiwu's total exports and imports were valued at 53.33 billion yuan, down 13.3 percent compared with the same period last year.