Coronavirus lockdown at China’s export showroom Yiwu clouds Christmas order outlook
- Factories in Yiwu have been ordered to cease production unless they make medical products and daily necessities, or are on the city’s ‘white list’
- Some two thirds of the world’s Christmas products are estimated to be made in Yiwu, which is home to scores of factories, showrooms and stores
A coronavirus lockdown in the Chinese manufacturing hub of Yiwu – home to the world’s largest small commodities market – is clouding the outlook for the country’s biggest export season ahead of Christmas.
The city in eastern Zhejiang province was put under a three-day lockdown on Thursday, the local government said on its official WeChat account at 3am.
Factories were ordered to cease production unless they made medical products or daily necessities, or were on the city’s “white list”, which allows certain industries to continue operating to minimise supply chain disruption.
All other commercial activities, including the international wholesale market and restaurants, were also suspended, the notice said.
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Coronavirus stealing Christmas cheer from Yiwu, China’s hub for seasonal product production
Vehicles have been banned from entering or leaving the city, except those related to coronavirus control and delivery of necessities.