Yiwu, September 9, 2026 — Yiwu, which supplies roughly 80 percent of the world's Christmas goods, has seen the 2026 export season end about half a month to one month earlier than in previous years, according to a report from China Blue News.
At the Yiwu International Trade City's Christmas-goods zone, most merchants have already finished their annual reconciliation. "South American and North American orders are basically done," said Gong Yongqiang, a stallholder. "We only have a few Southeast Asian countries — Vietnam, the Philippines, Korea — to ship to."
Industry sources attribute the shift to Middle East tensions, which have pushed up shipping times and freight rates. A shipment to South America that previously took 45 days now takes more than two months. Buyers are pushing orders earlier to ensure in-store availability.
Some companies have started routing goods to Central Asia via the China-Europe freight train to shorten delivery. In the first seven months of 2026, Yiwu's Christmas-goods exports reached RMB 3.6 billion, up 24.6 percent year on year. The Q4 period is expected to focus on small replenishment orders.
