Businesses in Yiwu – the Chinese mainland's renowned “Christmas Village” producing 60% of global holiday decorations – are raising alarms about escalating trade tensions. “If these tariffs continue, Americans won’t have Christmas this year,” one exporter told local media, citing potential shipping delays and cost surges affecting seasonal goods.
The Zhejiang-based manufacturing hub supplies over $1 billion annually in festive products to the U.S. and Europe. Traders report growing uncertainty as Washington considers new levies on Chinese imports, with many orders already delayed due to supply chain recalibrations.
Analysts note the tensions could ripple through global markets, with U.S. retailers potentially facing inventory shortages and price hikes. The situation also impacts cross-border logistics firms and raw material suppliers across Asia, including businesses in the Taiwan region and Southeast Asia.
As November order deadlines approach, stakeholders urge dialogue to stabilize trade flows. “Seasonal joy shouldn’t become collateral damage in geopolitical disputes,” remarked a Singapore-based trade economist.
