YIWU, China, May 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The U.S. and China have officially aligned on tariff adjustments under the Joint Statement on Economic and Trade Talks, effective May 14—a move set to stabilize global trade. In Yiwu, the internationally recognized commercial hub often referred to as the “World’s Supermarket”, the impact is already tangible: local businesses report a sharp uptick in orders from U.S. buyers following the announcement.
Yiwu Entrepreneurs Stay Agile Amid Shifting Trade Dynamics
From 2020 to 2024, Yiwu’s U.S. export share surged from 4.1% to 14.2%, underscoring the resilience of its businesses through trade uncertainties. “Diversification keeps us competitive,” says He Lihong, founder of Yiwu Bozhong Stationery, who swiftly shifted to new markets after U.S. orders slowed. “This month alone, I’m scouting opportunities in eight countries to future-proof our growth.”
Yiwu‘s Global Trade Surge Hits Record High in May
Yiwu turbocharged international business growth with its 415 Global Prosperity Season (April 15–May 5), a city-led promotional campaign to connect local companies with global buyers. Organized by Zhejiang China Commodities City Group (CCC), the initiative featured hybrid trade shows, industry-specific exhibitions, and even chartered flights to shuttle buyers from the Canton Fair directly to Yiwu’s markets.
The momentum continued as the Global Digital Trade Centre debuted its Foreign Buyer Open Day, drawing international merchants to secure storefronts and access Yiwu’s end-to-end trade solutions. Meanwhile, CCC and Alibaba unveiled a game-changing AI partnership—the Smart Trade AI Model—to optimize efficiency for vendors on the Chinagoods platform.
Yiwu’s Global Trade Surge Hits Record High in May
Later this month, Chinagoods will launch a week-long Global Cross-Border E-Commerce Recruitment Fair, anchored by its E-Commerce Acceleration Initiative, to streamline digital expansion for Yiwu businesses.
Yiwu’s Shopping Tourism Boom Fuels Next Wave of Digital Trade Growth
Yiwu saw record tourism during May Day holidays, attracting 2.77 million visitors – a 29.9% year-on-year surge – driven by favorable visa policies and tax incentives. The city’s unique “travel + shopping” model gained further traction with inbound tourism orders jumping 60%.
This shopping tourism boom is now transitioning into digital trade momentum, linking global buyers more directly with Yiwu-based manufacturers. The trend underscores both the resilience of Yiwu’s trade ecosystem and the growing global demand for Made-in-China products.