The global travel market recovery is driving increased purchases of thermos bottles.

The global travel market recovery is driving increased purchases of Thermos Bottles

I. The strong correlation between travel recovery and purchase growth: The data provides the answer

The strong rebound in the global tourism industry is reshaping the thermos bottle market. The global thermos bottle market is projected to reach US$5.36 billion in 2024, a 37% increase from the pandemic period, with travel contributing 42% of the incremental demand. This growth is no accident: 57.3% of the US population aged six and over participates in outdoor activities, driving a surge in the purchase of large-capacity, shatter-resistant thermoses; European independent travel has recovered to 91% of 2019 levels, driving a surge in sales of eco-friendly thermoses; and Southeast Asian tourist arrivals have increased by 68% year-on-year, with hot temperatures making thermoses a must-have.

As the core of the global supply chain, China is taking advantage of this surge in purchases. By 2023, Yongkang, Zhejiang Province alone accounted for 33% of global thermos exports. By January 2025, national stainless Steel Thermos exports surged 21% year-on-year. Nearly 90% of US purchase orders went to Chinese suppliers. This supply-demand alignment reflects the shift in travel from a "discretionary" to a "must-have" need. Data from Amazon US shows that sales of travel thermoses increased 17.5% year-on-year in the first 11 months of 2023, with cross-border purchases accounting for 65%.

II. Diverging Purchasing Demand: Core Demands of Different Markets

The diversity of global travel scenarios is driving the refinement of thermos procurement, with distinct regional markets exhibiting distinct characteristics:

European and American markets: Driven by both environmental protection and the need for cold storage. Starbucks' BYOB discount policy has led to a 29% year-on-year increase in purchases of reusable stainless steel thermoses. Summer searches for "cold storage cups" increased 120% month-on-month, with 304 stainless steel becoming the preferred choice due to its over 90% recyclability. In the Middle East and Southeast Asia, extreme climates are driving a demand for functional features. Saudi Arabian customers are willing to pay a 30% premium for thermoses with custom totems. In the Philippines, where average daily temperatures exceed 30°C, portable models capable of keeping items cold for more than six hours account for 58% of purchases.
In the Asia-Pacific market, long-lasting heat preservation and smart upgrades are both driving demand. Japanese buyers' interest in "24-hour heat preservation" features has increased by 40%, while purchases of smart thermoses with temperature measurement in South Korea have increased by 35% year-over-year. High-end app-connected models are becoming increasingly popular across borders.
The structural shifts in consumer groups are even more noteworthy. Data from Stanley's independent website shows that 59.69% of purchasing decisions are driven by women, with color design and brand collaborations becoming key drivers of order growth. Generation Z travelers are driving demand for personalized customization, and blind box bundle purchases have reached a 27% penetration rate among young consumers.

III. Core Competitiveness of Chinese Suppliers: From Manufacturing to Creation

Global buyers continue to invest in the Chinese supply chain, driven by irreplaceable industrial advantages:

Clustered production capacity: The Yangtze River Delta and the Pearl River Delta form a dual engine of "technology + efficiency." Yongkang boasts over 300 thermos bottle companies and supporting manufacturers, enabling "72-hour rapid prototyping." Chao'an, Guangdong, leverages its cost-effectiveness to meet the procurement needs of emerging markets, with minimum order quantities as low as 500 pieces.

Materials and Technology: From food-grade 304 stainless steel to medical-grade 316L and innovative lightweight titanium, Chinese suppliers have achieved full material coverage. Smart products are achieving even greater breakthroughs. By 2024, 60% of the core components of the $40.2 billion global smart water bottle market will be provided by Chinese companies.

Flexible Supply Chain Capabilities: The Hals factory in Thailand and Jiayi Co., Ltd.'s base in Vietnam enable the "Chinese Technology + Southeast Asian Manufacturing" model, circumventing trade barriers while shortening delivery cycles. For cross-border procurement, small-batch customized services offer a response time three times faster than European and American suppliers.

These advantages are translating into market success: Shenzhen brand Meoky, through TikTok marketing, has made its leak-proof car cup a cross-border hit, with annual procurement volume exceeding one million units. A Yongkang OEM factory has seen profits increase ninefold in three years and its stock price increase fivefold in two years, demonstrating the benefits of this surge in procurement demand.

IV. Procurement Decision Guide: Identify Trends and Choose the Right Products

Facing growth opportunities, global buyers must precisely tailor their products to their travel needs:

Scenario-Based Product Selection: For outdoor travel, prioritize large-capacity models (1.2L or larger) that are drop-resistant and pressure-resistant (such as those with dedicated mountaineering straps and hooks). For short urban trips, prioritize portable models in the 350-500ml range. Women can focus on co-branded products in macaron colors. Materials and Compliance: FDA certification is required for European and American markets, and 316L stainless steel is preferred. For the Middle Eastern market, SASO standards must be met, and custom scratch-resistant and wear-resistant coatings are available.

Market Opportunities: Purchases of portable products in Chile have grown by 70%, and weekly sales of a single product on Southeast Asian e-commerce platforms exceed 1,000 units. These emerging markets can adopt a combination strategy of "cost-effective basic models + regionally customized models."

Conclusion: Capturing Growth Dividends in the Travel Recovery

The recovery of the global travel market is not only a return of traffic, but also an upgrade and restructuring of consumer demand. As thermoses evolve from "practical tools" to "travel lifestyle symbols," their purchasing logic has shifted from simple functional matching to contextual resonance and value recognition. Leveraging its triple advantages of production capacity, technological innovation, and flexible services, the Chinese supply chain is becoming a key beneficiary of this growth wave.