Shaodong, Hunan province, exported 3.52 billion lighters last year, contributing 50.1 percent to the country's total, according to Changsha Customs earlier this month.

The China's largest lighter exporter invested 22 million yuan ($3.2 million) in 2022 to encourage engineers to solve difficult problems in cutting-edge technologies, core parts, materials and related techniques for major lighter-makers. With their help, the industry was upgraded and quality improved, elevating Shaodong lighters in international markets and promoting exports.

Shaodong now has 12 lighter manufacturers that export their products, and about 80 companies in its industrial chain. It produces more than 300 kinds of lighters — household kitchen lighters, disposable pocket lighters, explosion-proof lighters, cigarette lighters and more — with about 10,000 people working in the sector. The annual output value exceeds 10 billion yuan.

The province exports to about 300 countries and regions, including India, Russia and the United States. Southeastern Asia is a major export market.