As the year-end shopping season arrives, the shopping frenzy in the European and American markets is also gradually heating up. During this important shopping period, major global e-commerce platforms and retailers have entered a busy order period. Amid this wave, Yiwu in Zhejiang, China, has once again become the focus of global trade. As a world-renowned distribution center for small commodities, Yiwu, with its strong production and supply capabilities and high-quality small commodities, has not only achieved remarkable results in the domestic market but also significant growth in the European and American markets.

Especially in the toy specialty area of Yiwu International Trade City, many small commodity sellers have already started working overtime to fulfill the growing overseas demand. In particular, in the field of 3D-printed toys, Yiwu enterprises are ushering in unprecedented hot sales opportunities, with multiple popular toys selling well in the European and American markets.

Orders have been scheduled until next year. Image source: CCTV Finance

Hot Sales of Yiwu Toy Products

Yiwu's business model has always been known for being "small but complete," covering everything from household goods to electronic accessories, toys, jewelry, and more. This year's year-end shopping season, Yiwu's toy products have become a new highlight in foreign trade exports. Especially 3D-printed toys, whose demand in the European and American markets has surged, becoming one of the best-selling products.

In the toy specialty area of Yiwu International Trade City, almost every shop is busy stocking up, preparing for wave after wave of orders. The manager of a shop specializing in 3D-printed toys told reporters: "This year we have many new designs, such as dinosaurs, octopuses, mermaids, etc., which are very popular with consumers in the European and American markets." Among them, a "dragon egg" 3D-printed toy is particularly popular and has become the target of competition among major wholesalers.

The hot sales of this toy reflect consumers' strong demand for personalized and creative products. 3D printing technology allows these toys to break through the limitations of traditional molds in terms of shape, enabling the creation of more unique and interesting designs, which perfectly cater to the European and American markets' preference for novel toys. The surge in this demand has prompted Yiwu manufacturers to work overtime to fulfill orders, with some customers even picking up goods directly from the factory, and products being packed and taken away as soon as they come off the production line, highlighting the supply falling short of demand.

Yiwu toy "dragon egg" popular in Europe and America. Image source: CCTV Finance

The Global Influence of Yiwu Manufacturing

However, Yiwu's achievements are not limited to the toy sector. In recent years, Yiwu's foreign trade performance has gradually surpassed the traditional impression of "low-priced small commodities" and is developing towards higher quality and greater diversification.

According to statistics, in 2023, Yiwu's total import and export volume reached 566.05 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 18.2%. Among them, the export value exceeded the 500 billion yuan mark for the first time, showing an exceptionally impressive performance.

Entering 2024, Yiwu's foreign trade performance has continued to maintain strong momentum. In the first three quarters of 2024, Yiwu's total import and export volume has reached 499.88 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 16.6%.

Especially in the European and American markets, Yiwu's products are deeply penetrating and becoming an indispensable part of overseas consumers' daily lives. Yiwu-made goods, with their high cost performance and quality assurance, have been highly recognized by global consumers. Whether it's household goods, fashion accessories, or electronic products, Yiwu products can be seen on e-commerce platforms in Europe and America.

Yiwu's total import and export volume in the first three quarters of 2024. Image source: Yiwu Release

Yiwu Small Commodities and Global Hot Events

What is even more impressive is that Yiwu's small commodities not only meet daily consumer needs but also appear in multiple global hot events, demonstrating its strong manufacturing capability and global influence. The 2024 Paris Olympics has become a major stage for Yiwu products. According to the Paris Olympic Organizing Committee, 80% of the Olympic mascot "Phryge" is made in China, with most coming from Yiwu. Before the opening ceremony of the Olympics, one million Olympic wristbands made in Yiwu had already been shipped to Paris.

This event not only demonstrates Yiwu's key role in the global supply chain but also highlights the influence of Chinese manufacturing in major international events. In addition, Yiwu's small commodities have also appeared in other international events. For example, during the 60th U.S. presidential election, Yiwu manufacturers received an order for one million "U.S. election hats," once again proving Yiwu's strong strength as a global manufacturing base.

Yiwu-made Paris Olympic wristbands. Image source: CCTV News

Cross-border E-commerce and the Future of Yiwu Manufacturing

Amid the global shopping season boom, Yiwu has once again proven to the world the charm of "small commodities, big market" with its fast-responding supply chain and strong manufacturing capabilities. For cross-border e-commerce sellers, with the rise of innovative products such as 3D-printed toys, future competition will not only be about price, but also about innovation and personalized customization.

With their flexible production models and rapid market response, Yiwu merchants are bringing more fresh and interesting consumer experiences to global consumers, and are also winning more international recognition for Made-in-China.