Despite the complex and challenging global trade environment, Yiwu, a city in east China’s Zhejiang Province, has achieved impressive foreign trade growth in the first three quarters of 2025.

Known as “the world’s supermarket” for its small commodities, Yiwu’s total imports and exports hit a new record of 631.2 billion yuan. This is a 26.3 percent increase compared to the same period last year, according to Yiwu Customs. Specifically, exports rose by 25.7 percent year-on-year to nearly 554 billion yuan, and imports jumped by 31.3 percent to 77.2 billion yuan. Both of these figures have reached all-time highs.

One key reason for this strong growth is that Yiwu’s exporters are working hard to get more orders in emerging markets. In May, the city held an overseas exhibition in Jakarta, Indonesia. More than 110 Yiwu enterprises sent their executives to attend it. Huang Changchao, who owns a stationery business in Yiwu, said, “We are now actively expanding into the South American and Southeast Asian markets. Only by going abroad constantly can we open up new markets.”​

This focus on tapping emerging markets is closely linked to Yiwu’s broader trade diversification (多样化) strategy, which has further boosted its global business reach. Thanks to the trade diversification strategy, Yiwu now does business with 227 countries and regions. It has seen year-on-year trade growth with 181 of them. Local customs also noted that Yiwu’s trade with the Belt and Road partner countries increased by 28.9 percent year-on-year, making up 68 percent of its total trade volume during this period.

In addition, innovations in trade modes and continuous improvements to commercial infrastructure are also driving Yiwu’s trade growth. Earlier this month, Yiwu launched a global digital trade center, which is called the sixth-generation market. It has built a fully integrated digital trade ecosystem. Wang Nan, a local merchant, said, “Our export orders are already booked until next year. We will keep exploring market demand and adapting to market changes to achieve sales growth.”

1. 1. The data in Paragraph 2 is primarily used to illustrate ________.

A    the stability of Yiwu’s economy

B    the historical background of Yiwu’s trade

C    the remarkable performance of Yiwu’s trade

D    the comparison between imports and exports

2. 2. Why did Yiwu hold an overseas exhibition in Jakarta?

A    To attract more tourists.

B     To get more orders.

C    To sell local stationery.

D    To learn digital skills.

3. 3. What is a direct outcome of Yiwu’s trade diversification strategy?

A    A wider global business coverage.

B    The establishment of a digital trade center.

C    A slowdown in traditional markets.

D    A focus on luxury goods exports.

4. 4. What can be inferred about Yiwu’s businesses from Wang Nan’s statement?

A    They are facing a decline in orders.

B    They are reducing their international focus.

C    They are pessimistic about market changes.

D    They are confident about the future.