In recent years, China's
Candle industry has shone brightly in the field of foreign trade. In 2024, China's annual candle export volume exceeded 300,000 tons, equivalent to that of green tea exports, reaching over 160 countries and regions around the world, firmly securing the top position in global candle trade. This achievement is not only attributed to traditional manufacturing advantages but also to product innovation, green transformation, and the expansion of market diversification.
From "Lighting Tool" to "Cultural Symbol": The Rise of High - value - added Products
China's candle industry is upgrading from low - end manufacturing to high - value - added production. Candles with Chinese cultural elements, such as osmanthus - scented and tea - scented candles, have become popular in overseas markets. There are over 100,000 varieties of craft candles and scented candles, meeting diverse consumer demands. Enterprises have also developed green and low - carbon products using natural raw materials like soybeans and avocados, conforming to the global environmental protection trend. The number of candle - related enterprises in China has increased to approximately 10,200, with nearly half established in the past decade, demonstrating the strong vitality of the industry.
Dual - driven by Emerging Markets and Cross - border E - commerce
While consolidating traditional markets in Europe and the United States, Chinese candle enterprises are accelerating the exploration of emerging markets along the Belt and Road, as well as in Africa, South America, etc. Take Yantai as an example. The local government has launched the "Three - year Action Plan for the High - quality Development of Cross - border E - commerce", planning to build 20 public overseas warehouses and create 10 characteristic industrial belts within three years to help enterprises accurately connect with international demands through cross - border e - commerce platforms. In addition, enterprises actively participate in international exhibitions, such as the Frankfurt Consumer Goods Fair, and enhance their international visibility through new product launches and brand marketing.
Policy Empowerment and Industrial Chain Collaboration
The Ministry of Commerce and local governments support foreign trade development through a combination of policies. For instance, Yantai has implemented the "Thousand Enterprises Going Global" initiative, providing a 70% - 80% subsidy for booth fees at overseas exhibitions to encourage enterprises to expand into international markets. At the same time, digital trade and green trade have become new driving forces. Some enterprises use AI technology to optimize cross - border logistics and supply chain management, improving export efficiency.
Challenges and Prospects
Despite challenges such as the rise of international trade protectionism, China's candle industry has demonstrated strong resilience thanks to its complete industrial chain and continuous innovation capabilities. In 2025, with the further release of the dividends of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (RCEP) and the expansion of cross - border e - commerce comprehensive pilot zones, China's candle exports are expected to open up new growth areas in green and low - carbon, cultural and creative fields, consolidating its leading global position.
In the future, the Chinese candle industry will continue to focus on "innovation + green", empower through digitalization, and implement a diversified market layout to write a new chapter in the high - quality development of foreign trade.
