According to a report in China Daily on February 14, 2026
China’s inland city of Jinhua, in Zhejiang province, is rapidly gaining recognition as a global business hub, leveraging its manufacturing strength, logistics efficiency, and forward-looking institutional support to connect domestic production with international markets.
Despite lacking direct access to ports or land borders, Jinhua recorded foreign trade worth 1.05 trillion yuan ($150.5 billion) in 2025, joining China’s small group of “trillion-yuan trade cities.” At the heart of this success is Yiwu, the city’s renowned wholesale market, often described as the world’s largest hub for small commodities. Yiwu’s International Trade Market hosts nearly 80,000 booths offering over 2.1 million products, supplying more than 230 countries and regions.
Yiwu’s exports contributed 921.3 billion yuan to Jinhua in 2025, up 19.4% year-on-year, with strong demand from Southeast Asia and other overseas markets. Niche products, such as Spring Festival couplets and zodiac-themed accessories, illustrate how specialized goods from Jinhua reach global consumers efficiently.
Integrated Manufacturing and Logistics
Jinhua’s rise is underpinned by a diversified manufacturing base covering 33 of China’s 41 industrial categories. Counties such as Yongkang have become global leaders in hardware manufacturing, producing:
70% of China’s security doors
60% of insulated cups
45% of leisure sports vehicles
Digitalization has accelerated Jinhua’s trade efficiency. In 2025, over 4,000 export-oriented online shops were established, and cross-border e-commerce transactions reached 169.6 billion yuan. Innovative logistics, including Yiwu-Xinjiang-Europe freight trains, reduced transit times to Germany by 30%, allowing shipments to arrive in about 15 days, 20 days faster than by sea.
Foreign Investment and Institutional Support
Jinhua’s global appeal is strengthened by predictable and streamlined business procedures. Foreign investors benefit from:
One-stop international trade service platforms
Reduced registration times (from 15 working days to less than one)
Access to local services, education, and healthcare on par with residents
Since 1989, Yiwu has attracted investors from over 160 countries and regions, with 81% from Belt and Road partner countries. By 2025, the city had nearly 10,000 foreign professionals holding work permits, over half with specialized skills, reflecting a talent-friendly environment.
Foreign entrepreneurs, like Romanian electric-mobility businessman Sorin Sirbu, highlight the city’s supportive policies, access to freight networks, and incentives for skilled talent, making Jinhua a sustainable base for international operations.
Strategic Takeaways for International Investors
Jinhua demonstrates that port access is no longer a prerequisite for global trade success. Its integrated ecosystem — combining deep manufacturing capabilities, digital logistics, cross-border e-commerce, and robust institutional support — offers significant opportunities for:
Investment in export-oriented manufacturing and consumer goods
Participation in specialized supply chains and niche products
Collaboration in cross-border digital trade and logistics innovations
For investors and global businesses, Jinhua exemplifies how an inland city can emerge as a globally connected, investment-ready hub, reshaping the landscape of international trade in China.