Economy
Yiwu: How a barter town became the heartbeat of global small trade
From a place for rural barter trade in the 1970s to the world’s largest hub for small commodities, Yiwu’s growth defies conventional models. Rooted in pragmatism, powered by enthusiastic traders and shaped by global flows, it offers a masterclass in economic adaptability. Researchers Zhang Shuyue and Chen Xiangming tell us more.
Zhang Shuyue, Chen Xiangming
05 Sep 2025