Huzhou's foreign trade firms are shifting from broad-based overseas promotion to targeted participation in specialized trade fairs, helping secure stronger export growth in an increasingly competitive global market.

From January to May, companies in Huzhou, Zhejiang province, secured $690 million in intended export orders, up 30 percent year-on-year, according to local commerce authorities.

SMT Intelligent Device Manufacturing (Zhejiang) Co, a maker of automated motor production equipment, recently secured more than $600,000 in intended orders at an industrial exhibition in Turkiye after focusing on a sector-specific event instead of a comprehensive trade fair.

Ye Qiangyuan, the company's foreign trade manager, said specialized exhibitions have attracted more qualified buyers and improved customer conversion.

SMT Intelligent Device Manufacturing (Zhejiang) Co displays its products at a trade fair. [Photo/Nantaihuhao App]

The company is scheduled to participate in additional trade fairs in Germany, Italy, India, Turkiye, and Vietnam this year. Its exports reached 18 million yuan ($2.65 million) in the first five months of 2026, up about 20 percent year-on-year.

Zhejiang Brother Guidepost Paint Co in Changxing county has adopted a similar strategy. By concentrating on professional exhibitions for road safety materials and developing products tailored to different climates and technical standards, the company secured more than $500,000 in intended orders at a recent exhibition in Vietnam.

Its exports rose 30 percent year-on-year to $1 million during the January-May period.

To help enterprises expand their global footprint, local authorities have released two lists covering 133 recommended domestic and overseas trade fairs this year.