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Foreign‑invested firms in China are increasingly turning to cross‑border restructuring to reduce risk while keeping a foothold in the Chinese market Cross‑border restructuring offers a way to de‑risk supply chains, sidestep punitive tariffs, and build operational resilience without abandoning China entirely. It is not just moving factories from China to Vietnam or Indonesia. It requires a strategic overhaul of tax structures, legal entities, workforce plans, intellectual property arrangements, supplier networks, …

Influencer marketing in China is often the engine of sales; UK brands must adapt to thrive in its unique ecosystem China’s social commerce space revolves not around ambient influencer posts, but an intricate ecosystem where content, commerce and credibility converge. British brands stepping into this arena must unlearn much of what they assume about sponsorship in the UK and embrace the layered roles of KOLs (Key Opinion Leaders), KOCs (Key …

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, …

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 …

Whether you want to regain control, stay in the market or make a clean break, here’s how to manage a breakdown with your Chinese distributor, and how to avoid it becoming a full-blown disaster If Part 1 of this series focused on what brands must do to prepare before signing with a Chinese distributor, Part 2 explores the more difficult scenario: what happens if that relationship breaks down? As Zarina …

Making sure you have the right distributor before you enter the market is essential to ensure your brand’s IP is protected and you won’t come unstuck further down the line. In the first of this two-part series, we explain what to do in advance of finding a Chinese partner It’s no secret that the Chinese market offers immense opportunities for international brands. But engaging a distributor without thorough preparation can …

Chinese consumers view UK brands through a lens of heritage and quality, but success in this dynamic market demands cultural sensitivity and strategic adaptation In the bustling marketplaces of Shanghai and Beijing, where modernity intertwines with tradition, UK brands have carved a unique niche among Chinese consumers. From the tartan elegance of Burberry to the refined engineering of Jaguar Land Rover, British products are often synonymous with luxury, craftsmanship, and …

China’s growing childfree parent sector is redefining consumer behaviour, driven by economic pressures, cultural shifts and a focus on personal freedom The decision to remain childfree in China is a relatively new phenomenon, rooted in a blend of economic, social and cultural factors. Historically, large families were a cornerstone of Chinese society, supported by Confucian values that emphasised familial duty and lineage. However, rapid urbanisation, rising living costs and changing …

China’s latest rules on facial recognition technology introduce mandatory registration for companies handling significant volumes of personal data, alongside a practical guide to compliance In an era where facial recognition technology is increasingly embedded in daily life, from unlocking smartphones to streamlining payments, China has introduced robust regulations to ensure its responsible use. On March 21, 2025, the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) and the Ministry of Public Security (MPS) …

As China continues to solidify its position as a global economic powerhouse, protecting intellectual property (IP) in the country remains a critical concern for British businesses seeking to enter or expand in this dynamic market. With rapid advancements in legislation, enforcement mechanisms, and technological tools, China’s IP landscape has evolved significantly in recent years. However, challenges persist, particularly for foreign companies navigating its unique legal and cultural environment Understanding China’s …