Data from Yiwu Customs show that in January-February this year, the total value of foreign trade in Yiwu was 520 million U.S. dollars, an increase of 8.7% year-on-year, which is 5 percentage points higher than the average growth of Zhejiang's foreign trade. Of which, exports were 470 million U.S. dollars, an increase of 7.3% year-on-year, and imports were 53 million U.S. dollars, a year-on-year increase of 22.1%. In February, Yiwu's self-supported import and export volume reached 130 million U.S. dollars, a year-on-year decrease of 7.9 percent; imports were 28 million U.S. dollars, an increase of 53.3 percent year-on-year. Among them, exports of clothing and accessories still occupy a leading position, with a total export value of US$210 million, accounting for 45% of Yiwu’s self-supported exports.

Affected by the European debt crisis, Yiwu's exports to the EU, the largest export market, have declined, which has dropped by 2.4% year-on-year in the first two months of this year. However, during the same period, the US market maintained sustained growth, with a total export of US$ 78.66 million, an increase of 17.2% year-on-year. From the perspective of export product structure, clothing and accessories, mechanical and electrical products, textile yarns, fabrics and products still occupy the top three of Yiwu's self-exports. In addition, the growth momentum of electromechanical products was rapid, with a total export of 58.16 million US dollars, an increase of 34.4% year-on-year.

Yiwu customs relevant personnel analysis believes that this year, Yiwu self-export situation is not optimistic. Various types of factors unfavorable to foreign trade continue to exist. For example, the situation in the Middle East is still turbulent. Major consumer countries have not shown signs of a strong recovery and international market conditions are tepid. It is worth mentioning that the protectionism of trade protection in Europe and the United States has risen remarkably recently, anti-dumping investigations have been frequently launched against Chinese products, and punitive tariffs have been imposed, and trade barriers have constantly escalated. China has become the biggest victim of misuse of trade protection measures in Europe and the United States.

In this regard, the industry suggested that: to continue to maintain the price advantage of Yiwu small commodities, product innovation and value innovation can quickly enhance the profitability of small commodities. In addition, to make full use of the relevant tax policies of the country, it may be better to go out and invest internationally.