Yanchi targets Middle East halal market

The initiative was highlighted at a three-day e-commerce and cultural tourism event that brought together more than 100 representatives from digital platforms, supply-chain firms and businesses.

Representatives from TikTok, Facebook, YouTube and Middle Eastern e-commerce platform Noon discussed market opportunities and strategies for reaching consumers abroad. The event also launched construction of the Ningxia-Yanchi Silk Road E-Commerce Comprehensive Service Center and an overseas warehouse network designed to support cross-border trade.

Yanchi, a national rural e-commerce demonstration county, has developed 182 e-commerce businesses and more than 6,800 jobs. In 2025, its online transaction volume surpassed RMB 8 billion ($1.1 billion), while online retail sales reached RMB 720 million.

Known for its Tan sheep industry, Yanchi is positioning halal meat, agricultural products and related goods as potential exports to Middle Eastern markets. The county is now seeking to connect local producers with international platforms, logistics networks and overseas consumers.

The expansion reflects a broader push to use e-commerce and digital supply chains to bring China’s regional specialty products into the growing global halal economy.