Model AM-A17 from Zhejiang Kaila is a double-wall stainless steel travel mug with a capacity of 450mL. Price is $1.41.

Extensive supply, advanced transportation networks and direct export capability solidify this city’s status as China’s top sourcing hub.

Yongkang continues to be a leading source of travel mugs in China because of its vast local supply of materials, strong export capability and strategic location.

As the country’s hardware capital, this city in Zhejiang province also boasts a strong network of factories that specialize in stainless steel processing.

An estimated 1,000 suppliers are clustered in the hub, 80 percent of which are direct exporters. They benefit from a rich supply network of raw materials, including 18/8 and 304 stainless steel. Sealing rings and other travel mug parts and accessories are available locally as well.

Privately owned enterprises make up Yongkang’s entire supplier base. Although most companies in the hub are small and midsize, they utilize automated manufacturing systems where quality is easily supervised and price determinants are more controlled.

In 2007, about $480 million worth of products were exported from the city, representing 70 percent of the country’s total shipments. North America, Europe and Asia were the main destinations.

Yongkang’s travel mugs industry is also bolstered by convenient transport facilities.

The hub has an expansive highway and rail network connecting it to other cities in Zhejiang, including Wenzhou and Taizhou. This helps suppliers expedite the delivery of raw materials and finished products.

Besides the convenient access to key manufacturing inputs, Yongkang also offers the advantage of more than 1,000 trading companies, distributors and purchasing agents within the city and in nearby areas.

Through these channels, several companies have been able to establish a presence in different international markets. Large makers have also increased recognition of their in-house brands.

Yongkang makers offer a variety of travel mugs that target the midrange and high-end segments. The bestselling models have a capacity ranging from 500mL to 1L.

Companies can create models based on buyers’ specifications and provide samples in three to five days.

To increase the durability of designs, suppliers are utilizing reliable materials such as 304 and 18/8 stainless steel. Apart from its inherent corrosion-resistant property, stainless steel is a safer alternative over certain types of plastic that can leach potentially harmful toxins during regular use.

Releases from Yongkang usually come with doublewall constructions for improved temperature retention. In addition, some are equipped with insulated, spill-resistant lids.

Ergonomics is also a focus in many new designs. Sleeker and more-compact shapes, for instance, are being developed to make the models easier to hold. Rubber accessories are used for a comfortable grip.

At China Powcan Group Co. Ltd, the latest travel mugs include the BKS1-500M model, which is made of 304 stainless steel. Priced at $2.70, the product has a capacity of 500mL.

Yongkang Kinghigh Co. Ltd is offering the KH-633 model at $1.55. It features a stainless steel double-wall construction and has a 450mL capacity.

In addition to travel mugs, the company manufactures vacuum flasks and water bottles. The US, the EU, Asia, the Middle East and Africa are the export destinations. Eighty percent of shipments are under OEM contracts.

Zhejiang Daian Commodity Co. Ltd has released the DA-339C travel mug. Made of stainless steel and PP, the product can hold up to 470mL and weighs less than 240g.

The company, which exports to North America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia, also offers hip and vacuum flasks.

Priced at $1.41, the AM-A17 model from Zhejiang Kailai Industry and Trade Co. Ltd has a stainless steel double wall and a leather sleeve. The capacity is 450mL and it comes in silver or black versions.

The company also manufactures cookware sets and food storage containers. It exports mainly to North America, Europe and Japan.

At Zhejiang Wuyi Shanhe Industry and Trade Co. Ltd, the SH119 travel mug is available for $2.29. Made of 304 stainless steel, the model is a vacuum flask that can hold up to 530mL of hot or cold beverages.

Zhejiang Yongkang Bangda Industrial & Trading Co. Ltd’s latest addition to the line is the BES-920 model, which comes in stainless steel and has a capacity of 1L. The product is priced at $3.40.

OEM and ODM orders constitute 60 percent of shipments from Zhejiang Yongkang Bangda. The company caters to the EU, the US, the Middle East, Africa and Asia. About 200,000 travel mugs are exported each month.

A selection of travel mugs from Yongkang, China

Yongkang Kinghigh Co. Ltd

Model: KH-633
Minimum order: 3,000 pieces
Delivery time: 15 days
Price: $1.55
Description: Double-wall construction; stainless steel; plastic handle; 450mL; silvery white; white box packaging

Model: DA-339C
Delivery time: 30 days
Description: 201 stainless steel, PP; 473mL; 0.24kg; various colors available; polybag and white box packaging

Model: DA-303C
Delivery time: 30 days
Description: 201 stainless steel, PP; 473mL; 0.23kg; wave shape; various colors available; polybag and white box packaging

Model: AM-A17
Minimum order: 3,000 pieces
Delivery time: 15 days
Price: $1.41
Description: Double-wall construction; stainless steel, PP; 450mL; 0.22kg; with leather pouch; silvery white and black

Model: AM-A33
Minimum order: 3,000 pieces
Delivery time: 15 days
Price: $0.78
Description: Double-wall construction; stainless steel, PP; 450mL; 0.15kg; silvery white and red

Model: AM-P18
Minimum order: 3,000 pieces
Delivery time: 15 days
Price: $0.68
Description: Double-wall construction; AS, PP; 450mL; 0.32kg; yellow and black

Model: SH119
Minimum order: 3,000 pieces
Delivery time: 20 days
Price: $2.29
Description: 304 stainless steel, AS; 532mL; 0.27kg; various colors available

Model: BES-678
Minimum order: 5,000 pieces
Delivery time: 10 days
Price: $1.56
Description: 201 stainless steel; 380mL; 0.4kg; black; with filter; OPP bag and paper box packaging

Model: BES-771
Minimum order: 5,000 pieces
Delivery time: 7 days
Price: $0.97
Description: 201 stainless steel outer wall, PP inner wall and lid; 450mL; 0.2kg; OPP bag and paper box packaging