Foreign Media: World Cup Business Opportunities Surge, Yiwu's Small Commodities Market Sees Another Sales Boom
As the 2026 FIFA World Cup opening draws nearer, Yiwu in Zhejiang Province, China—a city located about 300 kilometers from Shanghai and home to the world’s largest wholesale market for small commodities—is experiencing a new wave of World Cup-related economic activity. Procurement agents from around the globe are flocking to Yiwu International Trade City, searching for football-themed merchandise.
Li Hangyan (translated name), a merchant, has her storefront filled with World Cup products—from officially licensed memorabilia to colorful jerseys in every hue imaginable. Among them, a goat-shaped keychain wearing an Argentina jersey stands out particularly, paying tribute to Messi with “GOAT” (Greatest of All Time). Matching pillowcases featuring Messi’s image are also selling briskly.
Li first sensed business opportunities during the 2018 Russia World Cup and officially entered the export market during the 2022 Qatar World Cup. She notes that many merchants in Yiwu began receiving orders for the 2026 World Cup as early as mid-last year. “Currently, sales momentum is quite strong—clearly better than the previous tournament,” she added. She further explained that because sports goods exports enjoy relatively favorable tariff policies, current tariff disputes and geopolitical tensions have had limited impact on her business.
Original Article: toutiao.com/article/1864417545069571/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.