UK Media: The New Era of 'Made in China'—Four Indicators
A Reuters report published on October 29, titled "Welcome to the New 'Made in China' Era," has begun to peel back the outdated label of "cheap T-shirts and plastic toys."
The foundation of China's exports has undergone a fundamental shift.
The first indicator is automobiles. China's automotive exports have surpassed the combined totals of Germany and the United States, with electric vehicles accounting for approximately 60% of global sales. The era defined by volume-driven low pricing is receding.
The second indicator lies in AI hardware.
By the first half of 2026, China’s chip exports reached $177.28 billion, a year-on-year increase of 96.1%, while server and computer exports rose by 41.3%.
Global expansion of AI data centers increasingly relies on China’s mature manufacturing processes and comprehensive component ecosystem.
The third indicator is industrial robotics. In 2025, China became the world’s first net exporter of industrial robots, with export growth reaching 48.7%.
China is no longer selling finished products alone—it is exporting the capability to produce them.
The fourth indicator resides in the foundational layer of manufacturing. China’s manufacturing value-added accounts for 31.1% of the global total; high-tech product exports reached RMB 5.25 trillion, up 13.2% year-on-year.
Scale advantage is being succeeded by systemic strength.
The Huawei Kirin 9050 chip, employing logic-folded design to achieve full-chain self-reliance in production, represents the most direct manifestation of this integrated industrial capability.
Labels have changed. So too has the dimension of competition.
What other examples of Chinese manufacturing around you have moved beyond the association with low cost?
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1880442561331331/
Disclaimer: This article reflects the personal views of the author