Yiwu's economy is overwhelmingly dominated by trade and commerce. The Yiwu International Trade Market is the economic engine, directly supporting over 200,000 jobs within the market complex itself and millions more in related industries — manufacturing, logistics, finance, hospitality, and professional services. The market generates an annual turnover exceeding 100 billion yuan.
The "Yiwu model" is characterized by a unique ecosystem of small and medium enterprises that are highly specialized and interconnected. Thousands of family workshops and small factories in Yiwu and surrounding areas produce the goods sold in the market, responding rapidly to changing global demand. E-commerce has become increasingly important, with Yiwu emerging as a major hub for cross-border online retail.
Logistics and transportation are critical to Yiwu's economy. The city operates one of China's busiest freight rail terminals, including the Yiwu-Xinjiang-Europe railway line that connects directly to Central Asia and Europe, reducing shipping time for goods to Western markets. Yiwu Airport handles both passenger and cargo flights, and the city is well-connected by expressway and high-speed rail.
The service sector, including banking, trade finance, exhibition services, translation, and international logistics, has grown in parallel with the trade market. The annual Yiwu Fair is one of China's largest trade exhibitions. In 2025, Yiwu's GDP reached approximately 180 billion yuan, with per capita GDP among the highest in Zhejiang Province.
