Front page of China National Gate Times: The "Breakthrough" Path of Ningbo Lighter Industry from "One Yuan Era" to "Value Going Global"

Currently, in the production workshop of Ningbo Jiabaishi Electric Appliance Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as "Jiabaishi"), a revolution in intelligent manufacturing is quietly taking place: the traditional assembly line, which used to be crowded with people, is now replaced by precision operated robotic arms. The assembly, inflation, inspection and other processes of lighters have achieved millimeter level accuracy throughout the entire process. This clearly outlines a vivid picture of Ningbo's lighter industry breaking away from low-priced homogeneous competition and transforming towards "smart manufacturing" and "quality manufacturing".  
As a company with 30 years of industry experience, Jiabaishi has not adhered to tradition, but has taken the lead in setting its sights on the differentiated needs of the global market, providing customers with customized services throughout the entire process from creative design, mold development to mass production verification.  
The industry has long been deeply immersed in the homogenized and low-priced competition of the 'one yuan era'. Our key to breaking through this situation lies in endowing our products with unique value, truly adapting to and leading the global segmented market demand, "said Zhang Juteng, the head of Jiabaishi. The company has a deep understanding of cultural trends in various countries, incorporating popular cultural and creative IPs, sports spirit, and other elements into product design, transforming ordinary lighters into cultural carriers that carry personality and emotions. Now, this firm shift towards "smart manufacturing" and "quality manufacturing" has been validated by the market. By 2025, Jiabaishi's export value will exceed 70 million yuan, a year-on-year increase of 16%, fully demonstrating its strategic vision of driving value growth through innovative design.  
The upgrading and breakthrough of Ningbo lighter enterprises is not a single path. Yuyao Minxing Fire Machine Manufacturing Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as "Minxing Fire Machine") aims at segmented tracks and explores new profit growth points in the wave of outdoor consumption.  
Minxing Fire Machine keenly captures market trends and accurately focuses its research and development on outdoor scenes. We have conducted in-depth analysis of the actual needs of European users for camping, hiking, and other activities, and have launched a series of windproof lighters that are suitable for harsh environments, "said Shao Jianhui, the head of the company. Its products have not only withstood the rigorous tests of the market in terms of windproof performance and ignition reliability, but also balanced outdoor aesthetics and practicality in appearance design and ergonomics, successfully opening up a high value-added professional subdivision track outside the homogenized universal lighter market. With this precise focus strategy, Minxing Fire Machine has successfully established its brand image as a professional outdoor ignition tool supplier in the European market, achieving differentiated brand breakthroughs and steady sales growth.  
If the internal strength of a company is its backbone, then precise policy services are the lifeblood that propels the industry forward. In order to assist lighter manufacturers in expanding their markets, Ningbo Customs relies on the "Pro Clean Direct Train • Enterprise Needs Customs Response" mechanism to proactively meet the needs of enterprises, implement convenient measures such as appointment inspection for dangerous goods such as lighters, compress customs clearance time, and ensure the logistics efficiency and supply chain stability of orders. We help enterprises strengthen risk warning, assign dedicated personnel to interpret technical trade measures such as EU CR regulations, guide enterprises in product upgrades and compliance certifications, and transform market access barriers into upgrading opportunities. ”Introduction by the relevant person in charge of Yuyao Customs under Ningbo Customs.  
According to statistics from Ningbo Customs, the export value of lighters in Ningbo will reach 1.43 billion yuan in 2025, of which 430 million yuan will be exported to the European Union, a year-on-year increase of 8.4%. The small lighter that was once deeply immersed in the "one yuan era" is now igniting a new engine for high-quality development of Ningbo's foreign trade with innovation as the fire and intelligent manufacturing as the core.