Traders check out Yiwu's small commodities in May. QIAN XUSHENG/FOR CHINA DAILY

Customs data reveals that Yiwu's exports of sports equipment were valued at 3.52 billion yuan ($484.3 million) in the first half of this year, a 22.5 percent year-on-year increase, with rising demand for sports equipment orders from Asian countries.

The Yiwu International Trade Market houses a wide range of sports equipment, including jerseys, sneakers, basketballs, footballs, ping pong equipment, national flags, cheerleading batons, treadmills, and various sports and fitness-related products.

Inside Zuoxi Sports Store, proprietor Xiang Lili is busy discussing orders with a client she has collaborated with for over a decade.

"Fueled by the Asian Games, our sales of basketballs, soccer balls, volleyballs, and other sports equipment are seeing a boom. Sales have surged by over 30 percent compared to last year, and our orders are all booked up until October," Xiang said.

"I've been sourcing from the Yiwu International Trade Market for many years. With the Asian Games taking place in China this year, it has boosted the sports culture in our country. I came here to explore basketball and related products and seek more collaboration opportunities with suppliers," said a buyer from Pakistan.

Customs statistics reveal that from January to July, Yiwu's total import and exports were valued at 321.1 billion yuan, a 19.7 percent increase compared to the same period last year.