South Korea’s automobile industry: From local beginnings to global success
South Korea has become a pivotal player on the global stage in the automotive sector, boasting a remarkable journey of growth spanning the past three decades. Rooted in a history that dates back to 1958, when the first locally assembled car rolled off the production line, the automotive industry in South Korea has evolved into […]
Artificial intelligence in China: from manufacturing hub to global tech innovator
Over time, China is gradually moving away from its cheap-mass-production-based economy and is progressing up the value chain toward the innovative field, especially in high-tech. In particular, Artificial Intelligence (AI) in China has emerged as a pivotal domain of innovation, becoming a critical factor in different segments of the economy. China has become a global […]
Health supplements and vitamins in China: a promising market dominated by foreign brands
The health supplement and vitamin market in China has been growing rapidly in recent years. From 2019 to 2022, this market witnessed an impressive 45% increase in revenue in China, with sales reaching US$4.7 million in 2022, which surpasses every other country. The function consumers are seeking the most is immunity-boosting and among vitamins, the […]
A brand’s guide to Chinese gifting habits
Gifting in China goes beyond just products and special occasions. It includes everyday life and meaningful experiences that can strengthen harmonious relationships. To uncover how gifting habits are being shaped, we conducted in-depth desk research and social listening on major gifting platforms including Taobao (淘宝) and Liwushuo (礼物说) and social media platforms such as Xiaohongshu […]
Chinese Valentine’s Day: decoding how brands craft Qixi campaigns
The Qixi Festival (七夕), also known as the “Double Seventh Festival” or Chinese Valentine’s Day, is a celebration deeply rooted in Chinese culture. It occurs on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month. This year, it was on the 22nd of August. The festival originates from the legend of the Cowherd and Weaver Girl […]
Quality, sustainability, and Guochao: three keywords in China’s high-end fashion
Since the end of the pandemic, China’s high-end fashion market has been steadily expanding. Luxury items have become a typical spending choice for many consumers who had to postpone their travels or other leisure expenses. According to Morgan Stanley, this trend is expected to continue throughout 2023, with Chinese consumers projected to increase their purchases […]
Tripling sales and halving prices: China’s samples market revolutionizing purchases
In recent years, product samples have increasingly influenced full-size purchases, especially in China’s beauty sector. A recent report from China’s e-commerce giant JD.com (京东) and Economic Daily (经济日报) highlights a surge in product sample sales within China’s consumer market. Online sales of sample-sized products in the first half of 2023 are 2.1 times higher than […]
El Niño in China: the Chinese economy in the era of climate change
Many nations bordering the Pacific Ocean are significantly impacted by the phenomenon known as “El Niño:” a warm current which leads to high temperatures in many parts of the world, especially America and Asia, disrupting the natural balance of the environment and increasing the risk of floods and other natural disasters. China, too, is now […]
“What do you think of the number of people getting married during May 20th falling off a cliff?”: Trending hashtag on Chinese social media
Due to the resemblance of the pronunciation of “520 (wǔ èr líng) or 521 (wǔ èr yī)” and “我爱你, wǒ ài nǐ”, which directly translates to “I love you” in English. It has become a growing trend for people in China to use the date May 20th as an unofficial Valentine’s day. As such, it […]
Roaming roads abroad: China’s automotive industry triumphs from local to global
China boasts the world’s largest and most rapidly growing automotive market, leading globally in terms of both car sales and production. China’s automotive industry has stepped up expansion in 2023, with a growing emphasis on overseas markets. Chinese car brands like BYD have successfully established themselves in overseas markets such as Asia-Pacific, Africa, the Middle […]
She economy rising: Decoding the shopping secrets of Chinese women
Chinese women are experiencing a noticeable surge in financial independence. As society undergoes changes, women’s priorities are also shifting. They are moving beyond traditional family roles to prioritize self-care. This report examines diverse consumption patterns among Chinese women, identifying opportunities in the “she economy.” It underscores their pivotal role in household decisions, evolving dynamics, and […]
Surging outdoor activities drive growth in China’s sun protection market
In 2023, the sun protection market in China is projected to exceed 1 billion US dollars, positioning it as the world’s second-largest market in this industry. The leading market, valued at approximately 2 billion US dollars, is currently held by the United States. The sun protection market covers a range of products, including but not […]