Chinese manufacturing hub adapts to shifting global trade landscape (Voice_over) In east China's Jinjiang City, a major manufacturing hub for clothing, footwear and other consumer goods, local companies are expanding their footprint amid global trade headwinds. To hedge against external uncertainties, a local sportswear company has shifted from being an original equipment manufacturer, or OEM, to building its own brands for overseas markets. Thanks to livestreaming, the company has gained a foothold in Southeast Asian markets, including the Philippines. (Sound_bite) Ding Renhao, General manager, Lefight Sportswear: "This bag sells for about 25 U.S. dollars and it's very popular in China. We found it sells just as well in the Philippines at the same [price]. Emerging markets have purchasing power too. We're accelerating our cross-border expansion, targeting Japan, South Korea, and Europe next." (Voice_over) Besides using e-commerce livestreaming, local manufacturers are also accelerating their high-tech innovation upgrades and tapping into trade fairs to expand their global reach. At a recent expo for footwear and sporting goods, intelligent manufacturing technologies took center stage. One local company showcased an AI-powered treadmill, which can generate personalized workout plans and track biometric data like heart and respiratory rates. (Sound_bite) Lai Quanfu, Product manager, Shuhua Sports: "From its chips, the entire system development, to the AI model connection, everything is homemade and represents our capacity. We are now on par with international brands in terms of product manufacturing, research and development, as well as marketing channels." (Voice_over) International buyers at the expo echoed the sentiment. (Sound_bite) Afghan buyer: "Made in China is good. Factories can make everything, depending on the order. It's very important. I saw many, many companies, suppliers here in the exhibition, so we are planning to go to some factories after the exhibition." (Voice_over) The city reported a total export volume of over 10 billion U.S. dollars in 2024, an increase of nearly 6.5 percent year on year. [Restriction: No access Chinese mainland]