In July 2024, the 33rd Summer Olympics majestically opened in Paris, showcasing not only the incredible athletes from around the globe but also a spectacular display of \"made in China\" products. Among the myriad of contributions, Yiwu, China's renowned manufacturing hub, played a pivotal role in supplying high-quality goods to the international stage.
Yiwu's impressive performance is evident in the first half of the year, with its total import and export value reaching 324.77 billion yuan ($44.97 billion), marking a 20.8% year-on-year increase. Exports alone surged by 21.4% to 288.03 billion yuan, with sports goods and equipment exports skyrocketing by 42.3% to 5.02 billion yuan. This remarkable growth is fueled by high-profile sports events like the Olympics and the European Championship, igniting a global passion for sports.
Known as the \"world's supermarket,\" Yiwu's robust manufacturing capabilities ensure rapid production and delivery, enabling it to meet the demands of multiple global events seamlessly. From Olympic mascots and souvenirs to sportswear, equipment, and digital displays at venues, \"made in Yiwu, China\" products were omnipresent, highlighting the city’s pivotal role in China's manufacturing prowess.
The evolution of Chinese manufacturing is vividly reflected in Yiwu's journey. Transitioning from small workshop-style operations to smart and digital factories, Chinese manufacturing has moved from low-value OEMs to high-end, technologically innovative producers. This shift has fostered an industrial ecosystem that integrates design, manufacturing, sales, and export, facilitating \"high-quality overseas expansion\" for independent Chinese brands.
Smart home appliances, new energy vehicles, and specialized equipment are now staples in global markets, underscoring China's transformation from the \"world's factory\" to a leader in intelligent manufacturing. For 14 consecutive years, China’s manufacturing sector has remained the largest globally, playing a crucial role in the international industrial division of labor and supply chains.
At the Paris Olympics, innovative products like Taishan Sports' judo mats, equipped with smart chips and flexible piezoelectric film technology, exemplified the technological advancements in Chinese manufacturing. These mats provided athletes and coaches with valuable data on force, speed, and movement trajectories, enhancing performance and training.
As China's manufacturing sector continues to prioritize high-end, intelligent, and green development, the global spotlight remains firmly on cities like Yiwu. \"Made in China\" is increasingly synonymous with \"intelligent manufacturing in China,\" reflecting the elevated technological standards and added value of Chinese products on the international stage.
Reference(s):
Chinese manufacturing in Olympics & China's development through Yiwu
cgtn.com
