A business displays a ball featuring the national flags of many countries. [Photo/tidenews.com.cn]

With the Paris Olympics just 120 days away, Yiwu is already feeling the economic boost. Between January and February, sports goods exports from Yiwu totaled 17 billion yuan ($2.35 billion), a surge of 70.5 percent year-on-year.

Preparations for the Olympics are in full swing in Yiwu, with orders pouring in. The sports goods section at the Yiwu International Trade Market is bustling, filled with basketballs, footballs, and more. Merchants are seizing the opportunity to capitalize on hype for the Olympics, both domestically and internationally.

At stores like Jinzun Trophy, orders are skyrocketing. Buyers from Europe, especially France, are showing keen interest, with preferences varying from bold gold to subtle shades. Ye Demo, owner of Jinzun Trophy, said that approximately 100,000 gold medals and trophies ordered by buyers from France, the UK, and Germany had been shipped.

Meanwhile, event-related products like flashing sticks and headbands are already en route to France. Zhou Tingting, owner of Chuangdong Flag, also noted a surge in orders. She said that they have been designing event-related products for the Olympics since last year. Currently, factory orders are scheduled until May, with most orders coming from French customers.

According to data from Yiwu Customs, Yiwu's exports to France have seen a significant increase, up by 42.1 percent in January and February.