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 …
branding
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 …
Douyin and WeChat are China’s leading social platforms, but serve different purposes for different brands In China’s digital landscape, Douyin and WeChat dominate as leading platforms, each offering unique pathways to over a billion users. Their approaches to engagement, commerce and storytelling differ significantly, making them essential for brands aiming to tap into China’s lucrative market. With Douyin’s short-video focus and WeChat’s mini-programs, these platforms redefine how global businesses connect …
The global marketplace is undergoing a seismic shift, driven by the rise of Chinese brands and their increasing influence on international consumers. In 2025, the relationship between global and Chinese brands is evolving at an unprecedented pace, marked by deepening collaborations, bold global expansions, and innovative cultural storytelling. A new report by TONG Global and the China-Britain Business Council (CBBC) explores these dynamics, offering insights into how brands can navigate …
The lucrative Chinese consumer market and how UK brands can effectively engage with it was the subject of the expert-led consumer breakout session at the UK-China Business Forum 2025 Chaired by Celine Tang, Retail & E-commerce Sector Lead, China-Britain Business Council, the session featured insights from David Haigh, Chairman and CEO, Brand Finance Plc; Jack Porteous, Commercial Director, TONG Global; Kai-Chuan Chao, Commercial and Cultural Partnerships, East Asia Lead, The …
China Consumer 2024, which took place on 14 October at London’s 4 Hamilton Place, saw over 200 delegates in attendance as brands and entrepreneurs joined expert speakers to understand the latest news, trends and opportunities in China’s growing consumer market CBBC’s newly appointed Chief Executive Peter Burnett opened the event, stating that China will be the single largest growing consumer market by 2030 and will contribute 40% of the worldwide …
Traditional Chinese festive occasions like Mid-Autumn Festival represent an important opportunity for brands. But with consumer trends around Chinese festivals evolving, how can brands keep their marketing relevant? Mid-Autumn Festival, which falls on 17 September this year, is one of many occasions in the Chinese calendar that brands need to keep an eye on. Beyond their cultural significance, national holidays are also important drivers of consumption, marking rises in spending …
The Chinese consumer market, ever vibrant and dynamic, has been making headlines again with a recent trend fusing baijiu with coffee and chocolate, writes Robynne Tindall In September 2023, Chinese baijiu brand Kweichou Moutai, one of the world’s largest spirits companies, launched collaborations with Chinese coffee chain Luckin and international chocolate brand Dove that took the market by storm. What can other brands learn from these popular promotions? Moutai x …
China’s sportswear market is set to become the world’s largest, propelled by government initiatives, changing trends, and growing health awareness. Here’s how British brands can take advantage Sportswear retailers have turned their attention to China, and for good reason. Although the US continues to be the largest market for sportswear worldwide, with a market size of US$45 billion, its expansion rate is only 2.5%. The Chinese sportswear market is expanding …
From self-heating hot pot to trendy instant noodles, food and drink brands are rushing to create products that appeal to the growing number of people in China who are single or live alone, writes Qing Na from Dao Insights Solo dining restaurants with tables and chairs sectioned into individual booths like private train compartments have drawn increasing footfall from white-collar eaters in major Chinese cities over the past few years. …

