Export Boom Drives Economic Growth and Opportunity

China's export sector is experiencing a remarkable surge as factories in Yiwu ramp up production ahead of the Spring Festival, spurred by a notable increase in overseas orders. This activity is reflective of a broader trend within the country’s export machinery, which is operating at full capacity as the holiday approaches.

At a sports equipment factory in Yiwu, employees have postponed their journeys home for the Spring Festival by two weeks to meet the heightened demand for soccer balls. This proactive measure underscores the significance of the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, with orders reportedly rising by 30 percent since July 2025.

Meanwhile, during the Milan Optical Fair in Italy, over 130 eyewear companies from Wenzhou showcased their latest innovations and attracted international buyers. This event signifies the expanding influence of Chinese manufacturers in global markets as they seek to enhance order volumes and capture new customer bases.

As factories prioritize timely delivery and quality improvement in anticipation of growing international demand, experts express optimism about the prospects for China's export sector in the upcoming year. Companies are increasingly focused on stabilizing their overseas orders, ensuring smooth supply chains even during festive holiday periods.

Managers like Chen Shaomei from Minsa Sports emphasize the importance of quality and brand recognition in emerging markets, which include Africa, the Middle East, and South America, alongside established markets such as the United States. Chen anticipates further increases in overseas orders post-Spring Festival, prompting a request for workers to return to production lines earlier than usual.

Other businesses are also sharing in this pre-holiday bustle. Qicaihu Garments Weaving Co., a swimsuit manufacturer, is keeping workers busy to ensure timely shipments to Europe and North America. This preparation period is critical for securing full-year orders as companies navigate the competitive global trade landscape.

Jinyang Daily Use Products Factory has also expanded its output capabilities, introducing night shifts to fulfill demanding export requests. Their production of electric heated hand warmers is set to target markets in colder regions, with managers reporting a positive trend in overall orders compared to previous years.

The resilient nature of China's foreign trade is bolstered by determined efforts to engage new clients and venture into emerging markets. Recent initiatives, such as a program launched in Suzhou aimed at assisting over 2,000 export-oriented businesses, highlight the commitment to fostering international trade relations.

Despite facing uncertainties in the global market, China's foreign trade has shown resilience, achieving 3.8 percent growth in 2025. This marked the ninth consecutive year of growth, with total foreign trade value for Yiwu exceeding 800 billion yuan for the first time, demonstrating the sector’s vitality.

Looking ahead, experts agree that enhancing product structure will be crucial for further improvements in China's foreign trade. The combined efforts of manufacturers across various sectors indicate a robust framework that should support continued success in the global marketplace.