The Paris 2024 Olympics aren’t just about breaking records—they’re also showcasing China’s manufacturing evolution. Enter Yiwu, the ‘world’s supermarket,’ which has shipped everything from mascots to high-tech judo mats to Paris, spotlighting China’s shift from ‘made in China’ to ‘**smart** made in China.’
From Small Town to Global Stage
Yiwu, a manufacturing powerhouse in Zhejiang Province, saw sports equipment exports surge **42.3%** this year, hitting 5.02 billion yuan ($695M). Its agile factories and diverse supply chains have turned it into the go-to hub for mega-events like the Olympics. Think: smart mats with embedded sensors for judo athletes and stadium screens powered by cutting-edge tech.
Leveling Up: China’s Manufacturing Game
Gone are the days of low-cost assembly lines. Yiwu’s factories now blend AI, green tech, and innovation—like Taishan Sports’ judo mats that track force and movement. This mirrors China’s broader pivot: its manufacturing sector, #1 globally for 14 years, is embracing ‘**intelligent manufacturing**’ with smarter, greener, and higher-value products.
From smart home gadgets to EVs, Chinese brands are no longer just suppliers—they’re trendsetters. And as Yiwu’s Olympic gear dazzles in Paris, it’s clear: China’s manufacturing playbook is winning gold.
