It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and as we deck the halls with boughs of holly and string up twinkling lights, have you ever stopped to wonder where all of these festive decorations come from? It turns out that the vast majority of them are made in China.
According to data from the UN Comtrade database, China accounts for 66% of global exports of Christmas tree lighting sets and a whopping 90% of exports of other Christmas decorations (excluding candles and natural trees). In terms of export value, China’s Christmas industry is worth $10.9 billion in 2021, dwarfing those of second-ranked Cambodia and third-ranked the Netherlands.
The chart above illustrates just how dominant China is in the global market for Christmas decorations. No other country comes close to its share of the market. So as you’re hanging up those sparkling ornaments and wrapping presents, chances are good that they were made in China.
Of course, this isn’t to say that other countries don’t contribute to the holiday spirit. Many smaller countries, such as Cambodia and the Netherlands, also have significant Christmas decoration industries. And while Santa’s factories are rumored to be located in the mountains of Lapland (or at the North Pole, depending on who you ask), there’s no denying the important role that China plays in bringing the holiday cheer to homes all around the world. So next time you’re enjoying your holiday decorations, take a moment to appreciate the global supply chain that brings them to your doorstep.
Source: Statista.com
