A modest pay increase in China’s financial hub reflects wider national efforts to balance economic pressures with social stability From 1 July 2025, Shanghai raised its monthly minimum wage from RMB 2,690 (£288) to RMB 2,740 (£294), a relatively conservative increase of less than 2%. The city’s hourly minimum wage also climbed from RMB 24 (£2.57) to RMB 25 (£2.68). While Shanghai retains the highest minimum wage in the country, …
Category:
Economy
The lifting of tariffs marks a potential turning point for British brands in China, but understanding local sentiment, policy shifts, and the role of soft power is more important than ever China’s decision to reduce or remove some retaliatory tariffs has encouraged a cautious optimism among British businesses. Yet while the trade climate appears to be improving, brands entering or re-entering the Chinese market are faced with the more complex …
China’s population is shrinking, creating challenges and opportunities for its economy and British businesses In 2022, China’s population fell for the first time in six decades, dropping from 1.4126 billion to 1.4118 billion, a decline of 850,000. This trend has accelerated, with losses of 2.08 million in 2023 and 1.39 million in 2024, according to China’s National Bureau of Statistics. The United Nations projects a further decline of 204 million …
The China-Britain Business Council’s latest Trade Tracker reveals steady growth in UK-China trade, with goods exports rising to £21.1 billion in 2024, showcasing the enduring strength of British businesses across regions In its eleventh edition, the CBBC Trade Tracker, released in June 2025, paints an optimistic picture of UK-China trade relations, underscoring the resilience and dynamic nature of this vital economic partnership. In 2024, a year marked by global economic …
China’s comprehensive 10-point monetary policy package, unveiled in May 2025, aims to stabilise financial markets and spur economic growth, offering new prospects for British businesses in a dynamic yet challenging landscape.
China’s updated 2025 Negative List for Market Access eases restrictions for British investors, opening doors in healthcare, education, and cultural sectors while introducing new oversight for tech industries.
For UK travellers heading to China, securing a local mobile phone SIM card can transform the experience, ensuring reliable connectivity to accessing maps, translation apps, and local services like WeChat, which are integral to daily life. While international roaming offers familiarity, the costs can be prohibitive, and many foreign apps, such as WhatsApp or Google, are inaccessible without a VPN due to China’s internet restrictions. A local SIM card not …
China’s economic reforms have opened new doors for foreign investors, but restrictions remain in key sectors. Understanding the 2024 Negative List and regulatory nuances is crucial for British businesses eyeing the world’s second-largest market. China’s economic allure, with a projected GDP growth of around 5% for 2025, continues to draw global investors, including British firms seeking to tap its vast consumer base and innovation-driven markets. However, the country’s foreign investment …
The Midlands is reinventing itself as a centre for green technology, life sciences, and digital innovation and attracting Chinese investment