By Jin Lu
As the first major trade show of the year for China's foreign trade sector, the 33rd East China Fair reflected shifting dynamics in the global market. With the latest round of U.S. tariff hikes taking effect and consumer trends evolving at an unprecedented pace, 232 companies from Ningbo, spread across 352 booths, pressed ahead despite the challenges.
Forging Ahead with Innovation
At the Xinhai Technology Group booth, curious visitors repeatedly flicked a lighter that was just 2.83mm thick. Each time, its flame remained steady, unwavering at exactly 2cm in height.
Behind this precise, stable flame is the resilience of one Ningbo manufacturer. After eight years of research and a 60-million-yuan investment, the company mastered advanced flame stabilization technology, becoming the first in China to produce lighters that meet European and American safety standards.
"But this is just one of our many products," the sales manager said with a smile. Committed to both safety and style, the company has expanded into kitchen and outdoor ignition tools, producing flames that burn at up to 1,300℃—ideal for grilling meats and caramelizing desserts. By introducing new applications, the company has sparked fresh demand and unlocked new growth opportunities.
Breaking barriers isn't just about technology—it also requires bold decisions and the willingness to start over.
In another conversation, a representative from Ningbo Qisen Technology recalled a pivotal moment in the company's history.
In 2018, the company invested 5 million yuan to develop 5G smart vending machines for hotels. But as market demand shifted, so did their strategy. They pivoted to household goods, a move that redefined their business.
Today, Qisen holds more than 100 patents and has built a consulting-based sales model tailored to Amazon sellers.
"See? What seemed like a forced transformation was actually a fresh start," the representative said with a grin.
Adapting to New Demand
At the Yuyao Jadeshine Company booth, a crowd of Japanese and Korean buyers gathered around, inspecting a pet bed made from cooling fabric, running their fingers over its texture. One Korean businessman said to his colleague, "This fabric—it feels like touching freshly-fallen snow."
His words, translated into Chinese, brought a smile to sales manager Xiao Zhu. She knew it: another potential order was in the works.
"The pet industry has seen rapid growth in recent years, and demand for pet supplies is booming. While we originally focused on home textiles like cushions and rugs, we've expanded into pet products," Xiao explained.
The pet market is booming globally. In 2020, Japan's pet industry was valued at $11.8 billion, spanning everything from medical care to food and supplies. The pet supplies sector alone accounted for $1.679 billion, with steady growth set to persist.
South Korea is witnessing a similar trend. According to Gmarket, a popular shopping site in South Korea, 69% of sales in the pet food and infant formula category came from pet products in the first five months of 2024. Interestingly, sales of pet strollers surpassed those of baby strollers for the first time in the first three quarters of 2023.
A few booths away, at Ningbo Createvalue Holdings Group, a nylon folding spoon was catching eyes. With a flick, the handle collapsed like a falling leaf, neatly nesting a spoon, spatula, and ladle into one compact piece.
"Camping enthusiasts love this design—it saves space. We also love it because it reduces shipping costs by 60%," the sales manager said, showing a product demonstration video on his phone. Even after 2,000 instances of high-temperature exposure, the handle remains in perfect condition.
These product innovations highlight Ningbo manufacturers' ability to think outside the box and stay ahead of emerging global trends
Finding Certainty Amidst Uncertainty
In the face of tariff barriers, shifting consumer trends, and stringent international certifications, some see crisis, while others spot opportunity.
Innovation, all-in-one solutions, diversified market strategies, and the ability to tell a compelling story during negotiations—these are the keys to future success.
At the fair's opening ceremony, Ji Shengjun, President of the Shanghai Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export, noted that business practice innovation has strengthened China's export resilience in today's ever-changing global economy. He emphasized that to compete in established markets like Japan, businesses must refine their market positioning, differentiate themselves through strategic product selection, and focus on material and design details to stand out.
Meanwhile, Liu Guangjun, Vice President of Alibaba.com for the China region, underscored the role of digital intelligence in cross-border trade.
"AI-optimized product listings see a 37% increase in overseas exposure, significantly boosting their chances of discovery and purchase by international buyers. This is a direct example of how technology is transforming export trade," he said.
As the interview concluded, a remark from a Jadeshine executive stood out, "Young people love raising cats and dogs these days—so isn't that just another new market?"
Turning social shifts into business opportunities—this quiet yet powerful survival instinct is what drives Ningbo's private sector towards success.