With a population passing 1.4 billion, China is one of the world’s largest consumer markets, meaning there is always room for exporters. In this part of the world, where the tech-savvy population expands rapidly, e-commerce has been growing significantly in the past decade. Online business is poised to grow even more in the years following the pandemic, both B2C and B2B. We would like to support you in this fast-paced time so that you may increase your exporting business in China.
Which products are in high-demand?
China’s thriving middle class is generating more opportunities in a variety of sectors, especially the consumer-based sectors. With their rising purchasing power, there is a growing demand for higher quality products and luxury goods, which drives the consumption of foreign products. Social media especially have transformed the way people shop online. Fashion, beauty and personal care products are among the hottest purchases.
Demand for food and nutrition, sports nutrition, in particular, is also surging as the wealthier middle class pays more attention to wellness and embraces active lifestyles. Reading nutrition labels and taking sports supplements are not exclusive to bodybuilders or athletes’ communities anymore. But regarding food and beverage, following regulation updates is important.
What to consider for your exporting strategy
Look beyond e-commerce platforms
Even if the demand for foreign products is high, you will see greater returns if you leverage the right channels and market your products in a localized manner. Major e-commerce platforms have opened up dedicated cross-border channels (such as Tmall Global and JD Worldwide) that allow simplified B2C orders. That is because Chinese consumers expect high accessibility and a one-stop shopping experience. However, these channels are in favor of more well-known brands. For SMEs, building awareness and reputation through social media is considered to be beneficial in the long run. If you don’t know where to start, we are happy to assist!
Focus on the nuances in business
While email is an essential communication and marketing channel, you might want to think twice before direct your efforts towards an email marketing strategy. In China, emails are checked less often because mobile apps are considered to be more efficient when it comes to business communication. Take WeChat as an example: the all-in-one app is used both for personal and professional purposes. In addition to messaging, WeChat offers more features that allow businesses to interact with their audiences, such as WeChat Official Account and Mini Program. Official Account subscribers will be notified when posts are pushed. Sounds familiar? A mobile-based alternative to newsletters! This is one of many examples that showcase how Chinese consumer behavior differs from the Global West. The more you explore WeChat or other channels, the more opportunities you will unearth.
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