Global Buyers Converge at Yiwu Global Digital Trade Center for Major Transactions

Global Buyers Converge at Yiwu Global Digital Trade Center

The Yiwu Global Digital Trade Center, also known as the sixth Yiwu Market, officially opened its doors on October 14, 2025. This landmark project has quickly become a focal point for merchants worldwide, sustaining an impressive momentum in global trade.

On just its opening day, the center experienced a staggering influx of over 130,000 visitors. In the ensuing days, an average of 71,000 global buyers flocked to the venue daily, demonstrating the robust appeal and significance of this new digital trade hub.

The surge in activity at the Global Digital Trade Center has resonated throughout local businesses. For instance, Wang Lu, the front desk manager of a nearby hotel, noted, “Rooms have been fully booked every night for two weeks after the opening. To secure a spot, customers now must book at least a week in advance.” Additionally, many foreign buyers have opted to extend their stays beyond the Canton Fair, hinting at the enduring interest in the area.

Restaurants serving international cuisine have also witnessed a remarkable increase in patronage. A Middle Eastern restaurant owner, Abdul, reported a dramatic rise in their dinner turnover rate from 1.5 to over 3 times a night. “Buyers often discuss their orders while enjoying barbecue, frequently showing product images on their tablets,” he shared.

The coffee shops adjacent to the Futian Market have similarly transformed, becoming impromptu negotiation hubs. “It’s common to see foreign buyers carrying coffee cups and translation devices, bustling between the market and surrounding stores,” remarked Li Na, a local coffee shop manager, who noted how the ambiance has shifted to facilitate rapid deal-making.

This vibrant activity reflects Yiwu's overall foreign trade growth trajectory. Between January and September 2025, the total import and export value of Yiwu surged to RMB 631.2 billion, marking a year-on-year increase of 26.3%. Notably, trade with countries connected through the Belt and Road Initiative rose by 28.9%, representing 68% of the total trade volume in the city.

Sustained Market Enthusiasm

Since its launch, the Global Digital Trade Center has sustained excitement in the market with numerous large-scale events, including drone light shows, global music festivals, and an AI + Market Digital Trade Summit. These initiatives underscore the technological innovations underpinning this new trade ecosystem. As of October 2025, the World Yiwu Trade Large Model registered over 30,000 users, and AI applications were utilized over one billion times. With 13 different AI applications facilitating various functions like design, translation, and fulfillment, this shift towards