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, …
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, …
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 …
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 …
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 …
Geopolitical restrictions, economic shifts and reduced demand have reshaped flight routes, frequencies and costs between the UK and China
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 semiconductor industry is rapidly advancing, driven by state-backed initiatives and domestic innovation China’s semiconductor sector has emerged as a cornerstone of its technological ambition, propelled by significant government investment and a strategic push for self-sufficiency. In 2024, the industry was valued at £134.2 billion, with projections indicating a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.8% from 2025 to 2034, potentially reaching £283.7 billion by 2034. This growth reflects China’s …
China’s biotechnology sector is experiencing a transformative surge, marked by billion-dollar deals and a 60% stock rally in 2025, outpacing even AI-driven markets China’s biotechnology sector has emerged as a formidable force, shaking off a four-year slump to become one of Asia’s hottest markets. The Hang Seng Biotech Index has surged by approximately 60% in 2025, a rally that has outstripped the 17% gain in China’s tech stocks, driven by …