Yiwu businesses expand global reach, innovate products to offset impact of US tariffs

Merchants at the Yiwu International Trade Market, the world's largest wholesale hub for small commodities, in east China's Zhejiang Province, are ramping up product innovation and tapping into international markets in an effort to offset the impact of U.S. tariffs.

Despite the U.S. government's recent tariff increases on imports from China and other trade partners, business remains brisk at the Yiwu International Trade Market.

In the first quarter of this year, Yiwu's total import and export value reached 167.45 billion yuan (about 23 billion U.S. dollars), an increase of 13 percent year on year, with trade links spanning over 230 countries and regions. Among this, exports amounted to 147.27 billion yuan, up by 14.5 percent year on year.

To enhance competitiveness, many merchants there have changed the designs, materials, styles and varieties of their products to better meet the diverse needs of global customers.

"This [Santa Claus product] is mainly developed for countries in the Southern Hemisphere. It features short sleeves and beach shorts, which suit what customers there typically wear during that period of time. We've already sold around 70,000 to 80,000 units of this type of products," said Gong Yongqiang, a merchant.

Meanwhile, Yiwu has seen a surge in orders from South American markets, bolstered by China's implementation of a 240-hour visa-free transit policy at the end of last year.

"Orders from South American countries, such as Colombia, Peru, Brazil, and Argentina, have increased. Right now, our shipments are scheduled through to mid-August," said Gong.

Moreover, companies in Yiwu have actively adjusted their strategies to expand their presence in emerging markets, such as ASEAN, Central and Eastern Europe, and Latin America, by holding overseas exhibitions, setting up cross-border e-commerce platforms, and establishing warehouses abroad.

Yiwu businesses expand global reach, innovate products to offset impact of US tariffs

Yiwu businesses expand global reach, innovate products to offset impact of US tariffs

Giant pandas at the Chongqing Zoo in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality became the star attraction during the New Year holiday, delighting crowds with their adorable antics in specially arranged winter play scenarios.

To involve the giant pandas in the New Year celebrations, the zoo built snowy enclosures surrounded by snow blocks and prepared a fruit feast for them.

After eating their fill, a giant panda climbed into a small wooden car and sat leisurely in the driver's seat, a scene that sparked laughter and prompted visitors to eagerly take pictures.

"Coming to see the pandas was the main reason we visited Chongqing. They're so fluffy, plump, and chubby -- it made me super happy," said a visitor.

On New Year's Day, the first day of the three-day holiday, the Chongqing Zoo has welcomed 28,500 visitors. To enhance the holiday experience, the zoo also organized a series of New Year-themed activities from January 1 to 3, including educational talks about animals, knowledge quizzes, sachet-making workshops, and fun interactive games.

Giant pandas draw crowds in Chongqing during New Year holiday