Korean media: China's brand exports will exceed $4 trillion next year, equivalent to Japan's GDP!
On December 4, the Korean media "Global Economy" published an article stating that according to a market research company Euromonitor in the UK, despite the uncertainty of US tariffs, the influence of Chinese brands continues to rise. It is expected that next year will break an important milestone, injecting strong momentum into China's export engine.
Euromonitor's recent report predicts that by 2026, China's exports of goods and services will reach $4 trillion, a figure roughly equivalent to Japan's gross domestic product (GDP).
Data shows that in the first nine months of this year, China's exports of goods and services reached $2.95 trillion. Assuming China maintains its current monthly growth rate for the rest of the year, the total exports for 2025 will reach $3.9 trillion, higher than $3.78 trillion in 2024.
Euromonitor pointed out that consumers' perception of Chinese brands has shifted from low-cost products to "products that combine innovation, design sense, and cultural heritage."
Overseas consumers are discovering the charm of Chinese brands through applications such as TikTok and purchasing goods on Chinese shopping websites, which gives Chinese brands a competitive advantage. According to Euromonitor data, four of the top five global e-commerce retailers (Alibaba, JD.com, Pinduoduo, and SHEIN) originate from China or have their headquarters in China.
Although service exports account for only 11% to 12% of goods exports, its growth rate is accelerating. As of June, Luckin Coffee, a Chinese coffee chain brand, had 89 overseas stores, including two in the United States.
Earlier this year, the animated film "Ne Zha 2" set a box office record, and countries with large Chinese populations such as Malaysia and Singapore began to accept Chinese-made creative content.
The plush toy themed around the character Lubbub became popular worldwide this year, making China's intellectual property stand out globally.
Beijing-based toy manufacturer Pop Mart announced that sales in the third quarter increased by 250%, mainly due to growth in overseas sales, with sales in the U.S. market increasing more than tenfold.
China's manufacturing strength has also driven the exports of electric vehicles, electronics, and home appliances. According to statistics from the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers, car exports in the first nine months of this year increased by 14.8%, reaching 4.95 million units.
The rise of Chinese brands marks China's transition from a manufacturing power to a brand power. Chinese brands are moving away from the stereotype of cheap goods, attracting global consumers with innovation and design.
Experts said, "As Chinese brands directly reach consumers through platforms such as TikTok and SHEIN, brand awareness is rapidly increasing. This strategy of bypassing traditional distribution channels is effective."
Pop Mart's sales growth of 250% demonstrates the global spread of Chinese cultural content. The global popularity of cartoon characters like Lubbub proves the value of Chinese intellectual property.
Original: toutiao.com/article/1850541771008267/
Statement: The article represents the views of the author.