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 …
China’s manufacturing industry powers much of the global economy, producing everything from smartphones to industrial machinery at a scale, quality and cost that few other nations can rival. For British businesses, tapping into this vast production hub offers undeniable advantages, including lower costs, rapid scalability, and access to a sprawling network of suppliers. However, ensuring consistent quality control when manufacturing in China remains a formidable challenge, particularly for British firms …
As Trump’s tariff-based trade war with China continues, which Chinese cities are the most exposed? So far, coastal and border Chinese cities seem the most vulnerable to tariff risks, while inland provinces are emerging as resilient trade nodes As global trade frictions resurface, particularly with renewed threats of tariff escalation targeting Chinese exports, understanding the regional distribution of trade reliance across China becomes increasingly important. While China’s national export performance …
What do foreign enterprises need to know about the new changes to China’s VAT law? This article from Hawksford offers a quick guide As of the end of 2024, China elevated 14 out of 18 tax categories from administrative regulations to formal laws, marking a milestone in aligning domestic practices with international standards. Central to this transformation is the Value-Added Tax (VAT) Law, which represents China’s largest tax category and …
As China continues to grow as a significant global economic force, the country’s cybersecurity and data privacy laws mean that UK businesses exploring opportunities in this expansive market face an increasingly complex regulatory environment surrounding cybersecurity and data protection. Recent legislative developments have introduced stringent requirements, making it crucial for businesses to understand and proactively comply with these evolving regulations. For tech companies, especially, where a strong digital foundation is …
Established in April 2015, the Guangdong Free Trade Zone (GFTZ) stands as a pivotal component of China’s economic reform agenda. Comprising three distinct sub-zones – Nansha in Guangzhou, Qianhai and Shekou in Shenzhen, and Hengqin in Zhuhai – the GFTZ serves as a testing ground for policies aimed at liberalising trade, attracting foreign investment, and maximising the potential of the Greater Bay Area (GBA). Strategic positioning and objectives of Guangdong …
China’s robotics industry has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past decade, evolving from a nation heavily reliant on imported technology to a global powerhouse in both production and adoption. It’s a story of ambition, investment, and a relentless drive to modernise, with the sector now playing a pivotal role in shaping the country’s economic future. Over the last 10 years, the growth in China’s robotics industry has been nothing …
China’s consumer market is vast, dynamic, and full of promise – but only if approached with care and a clear strategy. For many British exporters, choosing the right China distributor can make or break them. A good partner will act as your eyes, ears, and boots on the ground. A poor one can mean lost time, reputational damage, and sunk costs. In a nutshell, a distributor is a middleman between …
China’s Two Sessions, or Lianghui, is a cornerstone of the country’s political calendar, bringing together the National People’s Congress (NPC) and the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC). These meetings, held in Beijing every March, set the stage for China’s policy priorities and economic direction for the year ahead. As 2025 approaches, analysts are closely watching for signals on how China plans to navigate its domestic challenges and global ambitions. …
As the world’s second-largest economy, China’s vast domestic market, advanced digital ecosystem, and strategic focus on modernisation have made it a global leader in several industries, writes Kristina Koehler-Coluccia, Head of Business Advisory at Woodburn Accountants & Advisors