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An employee arranges Germany-themed fan merchandise produced for the FIFA World Cup at the showroom of a fan products company in Jinhua, Zhejiang province, on April 8, 2026. [Photo/IC]

As the 2026 FIFA World Cup continues, Zhejiang manufacturers are moving deeper into the tournament's supply chain.

Hangzhou Wensli Silk Sciences & Techniques Co Ltd has provided printing support for jerseys used by more than 10 national teams, including Germany, Argentina, and Spain, using its self-developed AI-powered waterless printing technology.

In Shaoxing, recycled polyester yarn produced by Zhejiang Jiaren New Materials Co Ltd has been used in jerseys for 12 national teams, including Brazil, England, and France.

The company said its self-developed chemical molecular recycling technology turns used clothing into high-quality recycled polyester yarn through separation, decolorization, impurity removal, and purification, creating a closed-loop process from old garments to new materials.

Zhejiang's industrial strengths have also extended to tournament merchandise operations, with several companies in the province securing official World Cup licensing and moving into higher-end cultural and creative products.

Yiwu, a global hub for small commodities, reported strong growth in sports goods exports. In the first quarter, the city's exports of sports goods and equipment reached 2.83 billion yuan ($415.78 million), up 12 percent year-on-year.