Wenzhou, a dynamic private-sector-driven hub in Zhejiang, is one of China’s most resilient foreign trade cities. In 2025, its total foreign trade volume hit 311.65 billion RMB (US$43.5 billion) (+6.1% YoY), with exports at 276.19 billion RMB (+9.6%) and imports at 35.46 billion RMB. Private enterprises dominate, accounting for 96.1% of exports. Its trade network covers 237 countries and regions, with strong growth in Belt and Road, ASEAN, and Middle East markets.
1. Traditional Advantage Industries (Stable Backbone)
Wenzhou’s traditional sectors form the bedrock of its exports, with complete industrial chains and global recognition.
⚡ Electrical Equipment (Largest Export Pillar)
- 2025 exports: 33.33 billion RMB, with Yueqing as the core production base.
- Products: Low-voltage appliances, circuit breakers, transformers, and smart grid equipment.
- Brands: Chint, Delixi; exported to 195 countries, leading China’s electrical exports.
👟 Footwear & Leather (Global Footwear Capital)
- Over 50% of China’s leather shoe exports come from Wenzhou.
- Products: Men’s/women’s leather shoes, safety shoes, and shoe materials.
- Markets: EU, ASEAN, and the Middle East; known for small-batch, fast-response production.
🚗 Auto Parts & Accessories
- 2025 growth: +19% YoY, a key growth driver.
- Products: Motorcycle parts, auto electronics, and chassis components.
- Base: Ruian City, a national-level auto parts export base.
🧵 Apparel & Fashion
- Products: Casual wear, suits, and knitted garments.
- Features: Strong OEM/ODM capability and flexible production for global fast fashion brands.
🛠️ Pumps, Valves & Hardware
- Yongjia County: China’s premier pump & valve manufacturing hub.
- Products: Industrial valves, water pumps, and plumbing hardware.
- Markets: Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.
2. Emerging Industries (New Growth Engines)
High-tech and green industries are rapidly expanding, led by the “New Three” products and digital economy.
🔋 “New Three” Green Products (Explosive Growth)
- 2025 exports: 8.16 billion RMB (+94.3% YoY).
- Lithium batteries: 4.68 billion RMB (+150% YoY), the fastest-growing segment.
- New energy vehicles: 3.08 billion RMB (+90.1% YoY), including passenger cars and commercial vehicles.
- PV products: 400 million RMB, expanding in Europe and Australia.
🤖 Smart Manufacturing & High-Tech Products
- High-tech exports: +32.9% YoY (2025).
- Industrial robotics: Fast-growing production for automotive and electronics sectors.
- IoT & sensors: Yueqing’s sensor cluster supplies global smart device makers.
- Advanced materials: New alloys and composites for EVs and renewable energy.
📱 Cross-Border E-Commerce & Digital Trade
- 63,000+ foreign trade enterprises, with cross-border e-commerce booming.
- Key products: Pet supplies, outdoor gear, and smart home devices via Amazon, AliExpress.
- Model: “Factory + Platform + Overseas Warehouse” to reach global consumers directly.
💊 Biopharmaceuticals & Medical Devices
- Industrial cluster in Pingyang, focusing on medical consumables and diagnostic equipment.
- Exports to over 30 countries, with growing demand in Southeast Asia and Europe.
3. Trade Partners & Growth Drivers
- Top markets: Belt and Road countries (60%+ of exports), ASEAN (+16.8%), Middle East (+18%).
- Private enterprises: 96.1% of exports, driving flexibility and innovation.
- Port advantage: Wenzhou Port’s new routes to Dubai and Saudi Arabia support automotive and green product exports.
4. Outlook
Wenzhou’s foreign trade is evolving from labor-intensive to tech-driven, green, and digital. Traditional industries are upgrading via smart manufacturing, while emerging sectors like EVs, lithium batteries, and cross-border e-commerce lead growth. With its robust private sector, complete industrial chains, and global market reach, Wenzhou will remain a key engine for China’s high-quality foreign trade development.