In recent days, Europe has been hit by an unusual cold snap, with countries like the UK, France, Germany, Italy, and Poland experiencing heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures. This extreme weather has created a ripple effect across global markets, and one of the most unexpected places to see this impact is Yiwu, China’s famous trade city.
Every morning, many businesses in Yiwu start their day by scanning international news online, searching for new business opportunities. Despite being thousands of miles away from the snow, Yiwu's trade market has quickly identified a surge in demand for winter products. Items such as hats, scarves, and gloves are flying off the shelves, with some vendors struggling to keep up with replenishment orders.
Wu Xiaoxiao, a scarf vendor in the third phase of Yiwu Trade City, humorously remarked, “As long as there’s a sneeze in any corner of the world, it can send ripples through Yiwu’s business community.†The saying proves true as European merchants rush to secure supplies.
One day, 5,000 "Lei Feng" caps sold out within hours. European buyers were willing to pay the high cost of air freight to get these items quickly. A Polish businessman, accompanied by a translator, approached a hat stall in the fourth district, asking, “Is there any stock left?†He was particularly interested in a waterproof "Lei Feng Cap" with plush ear flaps and a soft forehead panel, designed to provide warmth in harsh winter conditions.
The translator explained that due to the severe snowfall in Poland, temperatures had dropped significantly. The cap could be wrapped around the head, offering excellent insulation, and needed to be made of waterproof material to withstand heavy snow.
Huang Genfu, the stall owner, shared that in recent days, European buyers have placed large orders, prompting local procurement representatives to restock frequently. “Yesterday, a Polish customer ordered 10,000 of these waterproof ‘Lei Feng Caps’,†he said. His factory produces about 5,000 caps daily, but they sell out almost immediately. With no inventory, he struggles to meet the sudden demand.
“During the snowstorm, more than ten foreign trade representatives were on-site in a single day, and there was absolutely no stock left,†Huang added. To keep up with the fast-moving demand, European merchants are now opting for air freight, even though it’s costly. “Previously, shipping took a month or two via sea, but now, it takes just seven days by air.â€
Meanwhile, the snow has also boosted demand for snow chains and shovels. In Changchun’s third district, known as Yiwu Auto Parts Street, Shao Bo, who has run an auto parts store for nearly eight years, has seen a surge in customers from Russia, the Middle East, and other regions. “Many merchants come to me for snow chains and shovels. Countries affected by heavy snow often need these items,†he said.
Shao noted that most buyers plan three months in advance, but in cases of prolonged blizzards, they opt for air freight. “Air transport costs are high—about 26 yuan per kilogram from Yiwu to the Middle East,†he explained. Some merchants take risks, like Gao Bo, who runs a large auto parts shop. “A customer booked over 5,000 snow shovels two months ago, and they’re already sold out.â€
Businesses are constantly watching global trends and adapting quickly. This year’s “Millennium Arctic†has sparked interest in warm appliances and winter gear. Zhu Renmao, a vendor in the third phase of the commercial city, recently found success with artificial wool boots. “Many women want to show off their long legs, but they suffer from the cold. These boots offer both fashion and warmth,†he said.
His knee-to-ankle boots, lined with artificial fur, have attracted attention from European customers. “Sales are strong both domestically and internationally, and many European buyers have targeted this new design,†Zhu added.
At the same time, shoe vendors like Zhou Xiao are also capitalizing on the cold weather. He sells multi-functional warm shoes: “The outer layer is leather for waterproofing, the inner lining is wool for warmth, and the soles are scalloped for non-slip grip.â€
As the snow continues to spread across Europe, Yiwu’s traders remain alert, ready to seize every opportunity that comes their way. From caps to boots, from snow shovels to anti-slip shoes, the cold has turned into a golden chance for businesses worldwide.
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