Wuzhou's economy has traditionally been centered on water transport, trade, and tea production. The Port of Wuzhou remains a significant inland port on the Xi River shipping route, connecting Guangxi's interior with Guangzhou, Hong Kong, and the Pearl River Delta. The city's location on the Xi River Economic Belt positions it as a key node in the regional logistics network.
The Liubao tea industry has experienced a remarkable revival since the early 2000s. Once a little-known regional specialty, Liubao tea has gained national and international recognition, with its unique aged flavor and health properties driving growing demand. The tea industry now supports thousands of farmers, processors, and retailers in the Cangwu County region.
Wuzhou is also recognized as one of China's major gemstone trading and processing centers, particularly for synthetic gemstones. The gemstone industry began in the 1980s and has grown to include thousands of workshops and trading companies. Other important industries include food processing (particularly preserved fruits and local delicacies), pharmaceuticals, machinery manufacturing, and electronics assembly. Tourism centered on the arcade buildings and Liubao tea culture is a growing sector.
