Trade policy unclarity postpones World Cup-related production for Chinese merchandise manufacturers
In the bustling export hub of Yiwu, stores offering soccer balls and flags are relatively quiet compared to peak periods, a clear indication of a potential decrease in foreign buyers. This trend is not limited to one vendor, as both Daisy Dai and Zhou Yanjuan, sellers of printed soccer balls and World Cup-themed souvenirs, have reported a slowdown in shipments abroad.
Dai, a seller of soccer balls, reported a decrease in orders this year compared to the last World Cup. American buyers make up a significant portion of her clientele, but many have stopped ordering due to the trade war. Similarly, Zhou Yanjuan, a seller of flags and World Cup-themed souvenirs, has also experienced a slowdown in sales. She attributes this to the non-essential nature of her items, which may contribute to the slowdown in sales.
The trade war between Washington and Beijing has extended a temporary truce on tariffs until November, but the two nations continue to dispute issues such as semiconductors and TikTok. This uncertainty has led to delays in World Cup orders for manufacturers in Yiwu.
Despite the challenges, both Daisy Dai and Zhou Yanjuan express a shared sentiment that their clients are holding back on orders. However, they remain optimistic that the situation will improve as tariffs are adjusted. Zhou Yanjuan, in particular, believes that a reduction in tariffs could make things easier for her business.
Shang, the owner of Yiwu Wells Knitting Product, a company that produces sports-themed accessories including World Cup merchandise, shares similar sentiments. His factory is currently filled with crates overflowing with colorful wares, but the workers are adding finishing touches to various sports-themed accessories while waiting for large orders to arrive closer to the event date.
Shang has been in the industry for over 10 years and has produced World Cup-related merchandise for nearly every tournament. However, this year, his company is still waiting for clients to approve substantial orders amounting to around a million pieces before the World Cup.
Despite the current challenges, the spirit of the World Cup lives on in Yiwu. Vendors continue to offer a wide range of World Cup-related items, such as flag-printed sunglasses and miniature football cleats hanging on keychains. The hope remains that as the trade situation improves, these items will find their way to fans around the world.
