China: Chinese travel mugs gain popularity overseas.

Storyline Chinese travel mugs gain popularity overseas If you're drinking a beverage on the go, your mug or thermos might have come from Yiwu International Trade City, the world's largest small commodities market in east China's Zhejiang Province. International buyers come to Yiwu to buy in bulk for their shops back home, and depending on where that it, clients have varying requirements for their thermos or mugs. Bangladeshi buyer: "More and more people drink tea or coffee, and they all need insulated cups. I like Chinese tea and it's very healthy. People need to drink hot water because it's good for their health." Russian buyer: "Chinese insulated cups have obvious advantages, and the product range is the most abundant, meeting the needs of the Russian market. Therefore, we chose this supplier and will continue to cooperate." One shop owner says a major export destination has been Southeast Asia, but exports to the Middle East are also surging. European countries, meanwhile, are becoming a new markets this year due to tighter restrictions on plastic single use containers. Gui Haiqin, shop owner: "Exports in Q1 this year increased by 5% compared to last year, especially coffee cups, which accounted for 30% of insulated cup exports." Data shows that in Q1 this year Yiwu's exports totaled roughly 26 billion U.S. dollars, a year-on-year increase of more than 21 percent. [Restrictions: No access Chinese mainland]