China’s cross-border e-commerce (CBEC) market is massive and still growing. In 2023, China’s CBEC import-export value hit about RMB 2.38 trillion (US$331 billion). Roughly 188 million Chinese consumers (about 80% of urban shoppers) now buy imported goods online, making CBEC “a major sales channel for foreign brands targeting Chinese buyers”. These trends mean China accounted for nearly half of global e-commerce sales by 2023. To fuel this growth, the government offers incentives: for example, under China’s CBEC retail import scheme most orders below ¥5,000 (~US$730) are duty-free. However, succeeding in this market requires more than low prices.  Chinese customers demand premium service, studies show…

China is no longer just the world’s factory, it’s now one of the world’s most dynamic consumer markets. As global trade patterns shift (particularly after the April 2025 U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods), many international businesses are rethinking their go-to-market strategies. For brands looking to diversify revenue and reach new audiences, selling directly to Chinese consumers through Tmall is an increasingly compelling move. Whether you’re a growing DTC brand or an established player with international ambitions, Tmall Global offers a relatively low-barrier path into China’s digital ecosystem. But success requires more than just opening a storefront; you’ll need a strategic…

Digital payments dominate everyday life in China, and foreign sellers who aim to tap this market must adapt. Chinese consumers overwhelmingly prefer paying in RMB via local platforms and rarely have international credit cards. In fact, Visa/Mastercard are rare in China, as nearly everyone uses Alipay or WeChat Pay on their phones. For a foreign merchant, this means offering these familiar payment methods and understanding how to settle funds in RMB. Adopting China-friendly payment gateways like Alipay and WeChat Pay will reduce friction at checkout, boosting trust and conversion among Chinese customers. This article explains what foreign sellers need to know…

Expanding into China’s massive online retail market requires navigating complex cross-border logistics. Cross-border e-commerce (CBEC) has become a major channel for foreign brands to reach Chinese consumers, aided by streamlined customs procedures and tax incentives. A critical strategic decision for international sellers is choosing the right fulfillment model – typically either using a bonded warehouse in China or shipping orders directly from overseas to customers. Each model comes with distinct advantages and considerations affecting delivery speed, cost, customs compliance, and overall supply chain optimization. In this deep dive, we explain what bonded warehousing and direct international shipping entail, analyze their strategic…

In China, live stream e-commerce has exploded from a novelty into a revolutionary, multibillion-dollar force that is fundamentally reshaping the retail industry. This is not just a passing trend; it’s a mainstream phenomenon, with an overwhelming majority of China’s population having purchased goods via a live stream. This boom is fueled by a combination of tech-savvy consumers, a vibrant social culture, and the seamless integration of entertainment and shopping. For global brands and marketers, China’s live commerce revolution is impossible to ignore. It’s not just about the staggering scale, a market that surpassed $600 billion in 2023, but about the glimpse…

China’s Generation Z (born mid-1990s to 2010) is swiftly reshaping the luxury and fashion landscape.  Digital natives by upbringing, these young consumers demand a very different approach to Gen Z luxury China.  With a growing share of spending – Bain & Company projects China’s Gen Z will account for 20% of global luxury growth through 2025 – foreign brands cannot rely on status‐quo tactics.  Instead, they must craft luxury branding in China around Gen Z’s core values: authenticity, personalization, and social purpose.  This means moving beyond logo‐driven campaigns toward compelling storytelling on the platforms Gen Z inhabits.  In practice, brands…

As we step into 2025, Western businesses seeking opportunities in China can no longer ignore Rednote, also known as Xiaohongshu (小红书) or “Little Red Book.” With over 300 million active users, mostly young, affluent, and trend-driven consumers, Rednote offers an unparalleled gateway to China’s lucrative market. Unlike traditional e-commerce platforms like Tmall or JD.com, which are primarily transactional, Rednote combines the influence of social media with e-commerce capabilities, creating a uniquely powerful selling environment. The platform’s ecosystem is built on trust and authenticity. Users don’t come to Rednote to shop; they come for inspiration, product reviews, tutorials, and to discover new…

Entering China’s massive consumer electronics market in 2025 is both a huge opportunity and a complex undertaking. For international brands selling in China, success requires navigating a maze of regulations, distribution channels, and consumer expectations in a rapidly evolving landscape. China is the world’s largest e-commerce market with over 800 million online shoppers. Step 1: Conduct In-Depth Market Research Every market entry should start with a solid grasp of the local consumer electronics landscape. China’s appetite for tech is enormous, but it’s also a market with fierce competition and unique consumer behaviors. Begin by studying your specific product category’s demand and the…

China’s e-commerce market has never looked bigger – hundreds of millions of consumers now expect to find foreign brands online. In 2023 Chinese cross‑border e-commerce hit RMB 2.38 trillion (US$331 billion), with 188 million shoppers buying imported goods online (about 80% of urban consumers). For a DTC (direct‑to‑consumer) brand, selling in China via Shopify sounds enticing. In theory, Shopify’s global platform, multi‑language and multi‑currency support, and even its official Alipay integration should make market entry easier. In practice, however, reaching Chinese customers on a Shopify store comes with daunting technical, regulatory and logistical headaches. Any Shopify China strategy must reckon with the…

Entering China’s vast beauty market – now the world’s second-largest – demands a dual focus on strict regulatory compliance and savvy local marketing. International cosmetics brands, especially direct-to-consumer (DTC) and SMEs, must understand China’s classification rules, registration processes and import requirements. This guide covers how to sell cosmetics in China step-by-step: from the regulatory approval process to logistics strategy to market development and digital marketing. Regulatory Compliance China’s 2021 Cosmetic Supervision and Administration Regulation (CSAR) splits products into Special vs Ordinary (general) cosmetics. Special-use cosmetics include hair dyes, perms, anti-hair-loss products, sunscreens, whitening/freckle treatments and any products claiming new high-level efficacy. All…