From heavy-duty trucks and industrial equipment to skincare products and milk tea, Jinan brands are expanding their presence in markets around the world. During the first quarter, exports of homegrown brands reached 26.3 billion yuan ($3.86 billion), accounting for 52.8 percent of the city's total exports.

Advanced manufacturing remains the backbone of that expansion. In the first quarter, Jinan exported 14.58 billion yuan worth of vehicles, accounting for 66.3 percent of Shandong province's total vehicle exports.

The city's manufacturers are also moving up the value chain by exporting technologies alongside products. Earlier this year, Shandong Zhongke Advanced Technology Co secured an overseas automotive welding-line project worth more than 30 million yuan. Its artificial intelligence-powered system shortens design cycles while boosting welding design efficiency by more than 50 percent.

High-end equipment is becoming another strong point for the city. Shandong Guanghe Intelligent Technology exports laser-cutting machines to more than 50 countries and regions, with Europe and the United States accounting for about 80 percent of its exports.

The city's consumer brands are also gaining international recognition. Leveraging its well-established hyaluronic acid industry, Jinan has developed a complete value chain covering research, raw materials, and finished skincare products. Companies such as Bloomage Biotech and Freda have expanded into overseas markets with proprietary skincare brands.

Food and beverage brands are following a similar path. Jinan-based milk tea chain Bingxue now operates more than 2,000 overseas stores across 16 countries and regions, making it China's second-largest international beverage chain by overseas footprint.

Advanced manufacturing underpins the expanding global presence of Jinan's homegrown brands. [Photo/WeChat account: Jinan International Communication Center]

Jinan develops an integrated skincare industry chain spanning research, raw materials, and finished products. [Photo/WeChat account: Jinan International Communication Center]