Yiwu Businesses See Surge in Orders from US Clients as Tariffs are Slashed
On May 13th, at 7:30 am, Wu Qingfen, the general manager of Yiwu City Import and Export Co., Ltd., received an unexpected large order - 300,000 pairs of socks from an American customer. This significant order, the largest in a month, brought excitement to Wu, who quickly shared the news with her team. With over 200 sock machines, each capable of producing 300-400 pairs daily, the factory's production line is expected to operate at full capacity, with the order not being completed until the end of June.

15 May 2025
The surge in large orders is a result of the recent development in the US-China trade talks, where both parties agreed to reduce tariffs within 90 days. This news triggered a rapid response from overseas buyers, especially those in Yiwu who engage in foreign trade. Many American clients, who had previously delayed shipments due to high tariffs, are now eager to place orders, taking advantage of the 90-day window to replenish their stock. Ding Linfeng, the general manager of Shanghai Weini Da Sunshade Equipment Co., Ltd., an Alibaba International Station merchant, also received an order worth $100,000 from an American customer, despite the previous 145% tariff.
The reduction in tariffs has not only brought new orders but also increased the confidence of merchants in the foreign trade market. Wang Li, the general manager of Shenzhen Maiqijia Home Co., Ltd., plans to ship eight containers to the US this week, with customers increasing their procurement quantities to meet the upcoming market demand. Her factory's production line is also operating at full capacity, and she is optimistic about the future of foreign trade. The phenomenon is not limited to these merchants, as many American clients, who had previously sought alternative suppliers, are now returning to Chinese businesses due to the country's strong supply chain capabilities.
Industry insiders believe that US retailers and own-brand merchants, with current stock levels only sufficient for 1-2 months of consumption, will once again flock to the Chinese market to seize procurement opportunities. In this favorable environment, cross-border e-commerce platforms are investing in expanding their US buyer base, helping Chinese merchants capitalize on the 90-day shipping window. The efforts of these platforms will inevitably drive more order conversions and accelerate business growth.
Following the breakthrough in trade talks between China and the US, exporters in Yiwu have experienced a surge in orders from American clients. This uptrend is a direct response to the lowered tariffs, which have reinvigorated trade between the two nations. For companies like Shanghai Wei'erda Sunshade Equipment Co., Ltd., the reduction in tariffs from 153.8% to 38.8% has been a boon, encouraging American clients to place orders with unprecedented urgency. The swift response from American clients is understandable, given the significant decrease in tariffs, which effectively slashes the cost of importing goods from China.

This development comes as a welcome relief for businesses in Yiwu, many of which had seen orders paused or canceled due to the previous hike in tariffs. The new orders are not just a pecuniary boon but also a vote of confidence in the region's manufacturing prowess and its ability to fulfill large orders within short timelines. As companies navigate the complexities of international trade, the temporary reduction in tariffs offers a crucial opportunity for exporters to bolster their sales and for importers to replenish their stock at more favorable rates.
The easing of trade tensions between China and the US is expected to have a positive impact on the trade relationship between the two countries. This development is likely to benefit businesses in Yiwu, a city known for its thriving export industry. According to some merchants, relying on Chinese manufacturing is crucial for keeping living costs down, as alternative sources would lead to a significant increase in expenses. The demand for Chinese goods remains strong, and the easing of trade tensions and the reduction of tariffs are likely to further boost the trade relationship between China and the US, creating a more favorable business environment for Yiwu merchants.

As the trade relationship between China and the US continues to improve, Yiwu businesses are poised to benefit from increased demand and reduced trade barriers. The outlook for these businesses is promising, with many merchants expressing optimism about their future prospects. With the trade tensions easing, Yiwu merchants are confident that they will be able to capitalize on new opportunities and drive growth in the industry. For Yiwu merchants like Wu Qingfen, Ding Linfeng, and Wang Li, the next 90 days will be crucial in seizing the opportunities and challenges presented by the tariff reduction, and by expanding their business networks and broadening their perspectives, they are well-positioned to navigate the complexities of the foreign trade market and welcome a more prosperous future.
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