- Asean and Africa drive fastest growth
- Firms expand global outreach through exhibitions
Yiwu, often dubbed the world’s capital of small commodities, reported a sharp rise in foreign trade in the first quarter of this year, with total imports and exports reaching 209.37 billion yuan ($30.63 billion), up 25% from a year earlier.
Exports climbed 21.3% to 178.61 billion yuan, while imports jumped 52.2% to 30.76 billion yuan, highlighting stronger inbound demand alongside outbound growth.
The city’s trading network continued to broaden, with business ties spanning more than 220 countries and regions.
Trade with ASEAN countries rose 68.3%, the fastest among major markets, while commerce with Africa increased 47.3% to 41 billion yuan. Trade with Belt and Road partner countries reached 147.4 billion yuan, up 29.8%, statistics show.
On the export side, shipments of mechanical and electrical products totaled 67.56 billion yuan, a 23.8% increase. Within that category, auto parts exports surged 65.1%, while electric motorcycle shipments more than doubled, rising 120%.
More than 300 Yiwu companies participated in overseas exhibitions during the quarter to secure orders, including events such as the Hong Kong International Stationery & School Supplies Fair and a private-label trade show in Bologna, Italy.
