Lighter hub shines as world leader in production

陈小将

Editor's Note: In a series of reports titled "Claims to Fame", China Daily looks at how some regions have earned wealth and recognition through specific products to realize the goal of rural vitalization.

Each year, around 20 billion lighters are sold around the world and 75 percent of them are made in Shaodong, Hunan province.

The lighters are sold to 120 countries and regions. If they were connected end-to-end, the chain could encircle the Earth more than 30 times, one industry expert said.

Over the years, the lighter companies in Shaodong have grown bigger and more automated, with their products and the industry upgrading constantly.

However, what has remained unchanged for 20 years is the price of the disposable lighters. They are almost always sold at 1 yuan ($0.14) each by retail stores, meaning the manufacturers can still make a profit despite inflation and rising costs.

Shaodong is a hilly region with only around 10 percent of flat land. The lack of arable land prompted local people to find other ways to make a living.

After the reform and opening-up policy was introduced in 1978, Shaodong people ventured into trading businesses, selling different types of small merchandise to customers around the country.