Ceramic hub's exports mold profitable future

In 2020, Dehua has risen above the trade woes caused by COVID-19, with exports hitting 2.49 billion yuan ($380 million) in the first 10 months, up 7.8 percent year on year. It is estimated that Dehua's ceramics industry will be worth 40 billion yuan by the end of this year.

Amid the pandemic, many entrepreneurs in Dehua are exploring new market opportunities. Wen Keren, a pioneer who has been helping Dehua build its export-oriented ceramics industry since the 1980s, is among such entrepreneurs.

As global demand for disposable latex gloves took off, Wen's company quickly switched to producing ceramic glove formers, a product that he found had huge market potential.

Some large glove manufacturers have as many as 100 production lines, with each needing about 30,000 glove formers, Wen estimates.

The glove formers are made of a high-performance material that is tougher and more durable than regular ceramic. It remains a fledgling industry in China as, until recently, the country relied on imports of the product, says Wen.

"We're working around the clock to complete orders," says Wen, adding that orders from home and abroad had piled up until June. The first shipment is expected to be exported before the Spring Festival in February.

"Dehua boasts time-honored techniques and craftsmanship, as well as hardworking people," he says.