Core Insights - Jinhua, one of China's cities with the highest dependence on foreign trade, had a total import and export volume of 879.5 billion yuan in 2024, with exports reaching 771.9 billion yuan, resulting in a foreign trade dependence exceeding 100% [2] - Yiwu, a major trading hub, accounted for over 80% of Jinhua's total exports, demonstrating its significance in the region's trade dynamics [2] - Despite the U.S. imposing a 145% tariff on Chinese goods, Yiwu's international trade market remains active, with buyers continuing to place orders due to established trust with suppliers [4][5] Trade Dynamics - Yiwu International Trade City, known as the world's supermarket, features 210 million types of products and 75,000 shops, achieving an import and export total of 668.93 billion yuan in 2024, a year-on-year increase of 18.2% [5] - The trade with countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative accounted for 61.8% of Yiwu's total import and export value, highlighting its role as a key driver of foreign trade growth [7] - The main exports to the U.S. from Yiwu include textiles, light industrial products, and electromechanical goods, with a focus on consumer products like toys and small appliances [7] Buyer-Seller Dynamics - American buyers are reportedly more anxious than Chinese sellers, with an increase in inquiries from U.S. buyers who are often new to the Yiwu market and face challenges due to tariffs [8] - Trust built over years of cooperation allows for smoother transactions, as seen in the case of a bag factory that has established a reliable communication channel with its U.S. client [10] Customization and Competitive Advantage - Customization is emerging as a significant competitive advantage for Chinese manufacturers, allowing them to maintain profitability despite tariff challenges [11][16] - Companies that have shifted towards customized products report better resilience against market fluctuations, as seen in the experiences of various manufacturers [14][15] - The ability to offer tailored solutions not only enhances customer loyalty but also positions Chinese manufacturers favorably in the global market [16]
实探义乌:关税战冲击在分化