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Which industries make Chongqing a major manufacturing centre?

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Chongqing Skyscrapers at night in central Chongqing, China.

Chongqing has evolved into a major industrial powerhouse in southwestern China, supported by a diverse range of heavy and light manufacturing sectors.

Heavy Industry

The city’s industrial foundation is built upon its proximity to essential resources like coal, iron, and natural gas. Key heavy industries include:
* Iron and Steel: Chongqing hosts one of China’s largest integrated iron and steel complexes.1
* Automotive: Since the late 1980s, the city has become a significant hub for automobile manufacturing, producing trucks, various car models, and motorcycles.1
* Chemicals and Materials: The city produces fertilizers, plastics, chemical fibers, and various industrial chemicals like caustic soda. It is also a major manufacturer of aluminum products and strontium carbonate.1
* Machinery and Munitions: The city maintains a strong foundation in machinery, farm tools, and munitions production.1

Light and High-Tech Industry

Chongqing leads the southwest in light manufacturing, including textiles (cotton and silk), paper, leather goods, and food processing. Additionally, a high-technology zone established in the 1990s focuses on electronic information, bioengineering, and advanced materials.1