The foreign trade volume of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region from January to June grew over a third year on year, custom authorities said.

Rising demand from neighboring central Asian countries helped push up Xinjiang's trade volume to 9 billion U.S. dollars in H1, up 34 percent year on year, Urumqi Customs said

Exported goods, mainly mechanics, textiles and shoes, were 7.7 billion dollars, up 34.8 percent year on year. Imports, including farm produce, copper ore and paper pulp, reached 1.2 billion dollars, an increase of 29.3 percent.

Countries along the Belt and Road, including Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Pakistan, India and Germany, are Xinjiang's major trade partners.

The region's trade with Pakistan grew 63.9 percent, with Mongolia up 75 percent and Egypt up 273.2 percent.

Xinjiang's foreign trade volume is expected to continue to grow, with improved transport and more efficient clearing procedures, according to customs officials.