Yiwu: the "world's supermarket" fuels robust foreign trade growth

A Ghanaian merchant purchases drones at the Yiwu Global Digital Trade Center, Yiwu, east China's Zhejiang province. (Photo/Shi Bufa)

Efficiency gains, expanding global partnerships, and continuous innovation are driving significant foreign trade growth in Yiwu, a city renowned as the "world's supermarket" located in Zhejiang province, East China. Through reforms unlocking new momentum and trade links spanning continents, Yiwu is solidifying its position as a vital bridge between China and global markets.

In just 15 days after arriving in Yiwu, Dieng Cheikh Ahmadou Bamba, a Senegalese businessman, managed to finish company registration, source products and arrange shipments.

Standing in the China-Africa Building in Yiwu, where his office is located, Ahmadou smiled as he checked the list of goods ready to be shipped back to his home country, with his newly issued business license laid out on the table.

This speed was made possible by Yiwu's reform of its foreign investment registration system. Processes that previously took 15 working days can now be finalized in just one. Ahmadou expressed pleasant surprise at this efficiency.

On April 2, 18 vehicles he procured were shipped from Ningbo-Zhoushan Port, destined for Dakar Port, Senegal, within 60 days. Currently learning Chinese, Ahmadou expressed strong confidence in future business prospects and plans to export more Chinese automobiles to Africa.

The China-Africa Building hosts 63 foreign-invested entities, with African merchants accounting for over 80 percent. Supported by an African bulk commodity investment exhibition center, enterprises from 21 African countries have established trading platforms here, enabling more precise matchmaking and efficient cooperation between Chinese and African businesses.

Africa has become Yiwu's largest trading partner. In the first two months of this year, Yiwu's total imports and exports with Africa reached 35.41 billion yuan ($5.18 billion), up 84.7 percent year on year and accounting for 20.4 percent of the city's total trade.

Yiwu's foreign trade is not only expanding in scale but also upgrading in structure. The city is shifting from price-based competition to a new model driven by technology and branding.

A Kazakh merchant tries on AI goggles at the Yiwu Global Digital Trade Center, Yiwu, east China's Zhejiang province. (Photo/Lyu Bin)

At the Yiwu Global Digital Trade Center, an AI-powered translation device independently developed by local entrepreneur Chen Jing has become a bestseller. Supporting 146 languages, the upgraded product includes features such as magnetic attachment and a phone stand, and has gained strong popularity in European and ASEAN markets.

After testing the device, an Indian buyer named Abby immediately decided to place an additional order. The first batch of over 100 units sold out quickly, and he now plans to order 300 units of the upgraded version.

Since the beginning of the year, Yiwu has continued to expand its global trade network. In the first two months alone, it established trade relations with 222 countries and regions, 9 more compared to the same period last year.

Emerging markets are flourishing, with trade involving ASEAN countries reaching 24.74 billion yuan, up 99 percent year-on-year. Belt and Road partner countries remain a key stabilizing force, accounting for over 70 percent of Yiwu's total trade.

While "selling to the world," Yiwu is also accelerating its pace of "buying from the world." The Yiwu Comprehensive Bonded Zone is seeing a steady influx of high-quality goods, including European health supplements, East Asian beauty products, and Southeast Asian fruits. In the first two months of 2026, Yiwu imported 10.51 billion yuan worth of consumer goods, up 54.2 percent year on year, accounting for 55.8 percent of the city's total imports.

Brazilian merchants buy artificial flowers at the Yiwu International Expo Center, Yiwu, east China's Zhejiang province. (Photo/Shi Bufa)

As policy dividends unfold and logistics channels continue to expand, more and more quality products from around the world are entering Chinese households. Starting May 1 2026, China will fully implement zero-tariff treatment for 53 African countries with which it has diplomatic ties.

Ding Yang, general manager of a Yiwu-based foreign trade company, is highly optimistic about imports of African agricultural and sideline products. "With zero tariffs in place, African farm produce will enjoy a clearer edge in cost performance. Related import value is expected to surge by 60 percent this year," he said.

Infrastructure development is also gaining pace. In February, Yiwu Airport received approval for a designated regulatory site for imported edible aquatic animals, with the first shipment successfully processed on March 9. Imports of edible aquatic products and meat have since increased significantly.

With a continuously optimized trade structure and accelerating transformation of growth drivers, Yiwu is reinforcing its position as a dynamic "world supermarket." Through openness and inclusiveness, the city is enabling goods to reach global markets while bringing quality products from around the world to China.