Huzhou's outdoor leisure products gain traction in global markets

Huzhou's exports of outdoor leisure products exceeded 2.4 billion yuan ($356.98 million) in the first seven months of 2026, according to Huzhou Customs, as demand for outdoor sports and water-related products remained strong overseas.

At Zhejiang Lexin Outdoor Products Co, workers are assembling and packing fishing chairs for shipment to Thailand.

The company, which has specialized in fishing equipment for more than 30 years, produces fishing chairs, fishing boxes, and other equipment. Its products sell well in markets such as Thailand and Vietnam, and it has long-term partnerships with brands including Decathlon.

The company's exports reached 250 million yuan in the first half of this year, up 4.4 percent year-on-year, said Hu Shaoyun, its foreign trade manager. The company uses environmentally friendly fabrics and lightweight alloys in its fishing equipment to balance portability and durability, Hu said.

Huzhou Customs has helped companies make use of preferential tariffs under the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area and apply for certificates of origin. Lexin has obtained 61 certificates of origin for ASEAN exports this year, up 22 percent year-on-year.

Another local company, Antex (Deqing) Fashion Co, is exporting functional swimwear, matching swimwear for parents and children, and surfing beachwear. Swimwear is highly seasonal, with exports typically peaking from May to September.