Photo shows how to use AI tools to generate a product introduction video. (Screenshot Photo)

Yiwu, known as “the world's capital for small commodities” and home to China's largest wholesale market, has recently started using artificial intelligence (AI) tools for their merchants.

As DeepSeek gains widespread attention for its advanced capabilities, its integration with the Chinagoods AI service platform is set to revolutionize how local businesses operate on a global scale.

During the Spring Festival holiday in 2025, the Chinagoods AI technical team was already working on localizing and deploying DeepSeek models to better serve Yiwu’s unique market demands. By the time the market reopened, DeepSeek had been integrated into the Chinagoods AI platform, which serves over 20,000 market vendors, making it accessible to all merchants.

"One of the most frequently used applications, XiaoShang AI Video Creator, has already been connected to DeepSeek and is now available to all merchants," said Lou Qinfeng, technical director of Yiwu China Commodity City Big Data Company.

The XiaoShang AI tool allows merchants to generate product introduction videos in both Chinese and English simply by recording a short clip of their product and providing a few keywords or selecting a scene, Lou explained.

According to him, DeepSeek models will soon be connected to over 10 tools, covering the entire trade process -- from product design to order fulfillment, improving the speed and quality of tasks such as copywriting, video generation, image design, and multilingual communication.

AI is actually no longer a novelty in Yiwu. Just two years ago, AI tools began permeating every aspect of the local trade ecosystem. For instance, merchants who speak only Chinese can now use AI-powered technology to communicate fluently in 36 languages, effectively breaking down language barriers with international clients.

These tools also help merchants generate product posters and design detailed product pages, streamlining customer acquisition, quotations, and order processing. The rapid response to market trends, such as the viral sales of Olympic champion-inspired hair clips and press-on nails, is also attributed to AI’s efficiency.

"Learning the use of AI technologies has become an essential skill for Yiwu’s merchants," Lou noted.

Fu Jiangyan, who runs a sock business with her husband, selling 20 million pairs annually to markets in Asia, Africa, and South America, has already seen the benefits of AI. "Videos in multiple languages make it easier to attract international clients and make deals," she said, after successfully making videos with the help of AI-generated scripts.

Last year, by unploading a short English video, it helped her sell out a particular sock model, so she now plans to produce a video every day.

“It’s challenging to come up with new video ideas, but AI tools can do it,” said Fu, adding that they helps spark new ideas.

Ren Xiaoling, another Yiwu merchant, is also exploring the potential of DeepSeek. "DeepSeek is so popular now and I feel like I’ll fall behind if I don’t learn how to use it," she said.

She has already started using the platform to analyze trends in cultural and creative products and generate promotional materials.

"People say merchants in Yiuwu are hardworking, but it’s really because the market changes so quickly. We have to keep up with new technologies to stay competitive," Ren said, adding that people need to learn them effectively so that their value will be maximized.

As Yiwu continues to embrace AI, advanced technologies like DeepSeek are expected to further enhance merchant’s efficiency and global reach, solidifying the city’s position as a leader in international small commodities trade.