Jul 26, 2022|
JD Releases “2022 Import Consumption Trend Report”
by Mengyang He
JD.com’s Consumption and Industry Development Research Institute released the “2022 Import Consumption Trend Report” on July 25 ahead of the second China International Consumer Products Expo.
Key takeaways:
- Consumers are seeking more exquisite and high-end products.
- Young people are the major consumers for international products.
- Most sales of international products come from first- and second-tier cities.
China’s import business is now more diversified and toward high-end. According to the report, mobile phones, computers, mother and baby products, beauty and skincare products, and home appliances are the most favored by Chinese consumers among all international products. For instance, the sales of mobile phones from overseas brands accounted for over 30 percent of all imported products in 2022.
According to the data from JD’s 618 Grand Promotion ended last month, the presales volume of first-party imported healthcare products mounted by 140 percent YOY, and cross-border food and beverages grew by 100 percent. Many international big names, such as Apple, Dell, HP, Aptamil and Siemens are also well received by consumers.
The report also reveals that the top 5 countries for imported products are the US, Japan, France, Germany and Switzerland. Because of international travel restrictions due to Covid, many consumers are now purchasing more products from JD’s national pavilions to stay close to an international experience.
JD has opened 65 national pavilions as of now. The national pavilions of Finland, Singapore, and Cuba were the top 3 in sales during JD’s 618 Grand Promotion this year, during which the French, Hungarian, and Singaporean national pavilions recorded a YOY increase of 194 percent, 147 percent, and 141 percent, respectively.
Young people between 26 and 35 are the major consumers for imported products, accounting for nearly half among all age groups. In addition, consumers between 46 to 55 are seen to have great potential in purchasing power, as their spending on international products increased by 283 percent in 2021 compared with that in 2019.
As for Gen Z consumers, they are more willing to buy watches, glasses, jewelry, and digital products from international brands, whereas senior shoppers favor food, beverages, clothes, and alcoholic products.
In the first half of 2022, consumers from first- and second-tier cities contributed to 55 percent of the sales of international products. However, a rising interest is also seen in rural areas. According to JD’s sales data, the transaction volume of international products generated from rural areas grew by 174 percent in 2021 compared with that in 2019.
By region, the report shows that consumers from Guangdong province, Beijing, Jiangsu province, Shanghai, and Zhejiang province purchased the most international brands, and 20 percent of the sales come from Guangdong province alone.
Nov 7, 2024|
CIIE 2024: JD.com to Expand Imports of Specialty Brands, Strengthen Healthcare Partnerships, and Enhance Logistics
At the 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE) on November 5, JD Super, the supermarket division of JD.com, announced a major initiative to broaden its selection of imported specialty. Over the next three years, JD Super plans to introduce over 1,000 new international brands to meet the increasing demand for high-quality, diverse imported goods.
Meeting the Growing Demand for Quality Imports
According to JD Worldwide’s “White Paper on 2024 China Cross-Border Consumption Trends,” more than 80% of Chinese consumers are interested in imported products, with many prioritizing authenticity, quality, and fast delivery. In response, JD has significantly expanded its range of international offerings. During the ongoing Singles’ Day Grand Promotion, sales of cross-border products have surged, with more than 600 brands experiencing a sales increase of over 100% compared to last year.
Strengthening High-Quality Food Partnerships
Demonstrating JD.com’s commitment to sourcing high-quality products, JD Super signed a new procurement agreement at CIIE with Huadong Foods and Teys, a major Australian beef brand under Cargill. Under this agreement, JD Super and Huadong Foods will procure $50 million of Teys beef throughout 2025. This partnership underscores JD’s strategy of collaborating with trusted suppliers to provide high-quality, affordable beef to Chinese consumers.
Delivering Authentic Global Goods Efficiently
JD Logistics has built a robust logistics network that spans bonded, direct mail, and overseas warehouses, facilitating fast deliveries of imported items across categories such as electronics, fashion, beauty, food, and baby products. In many major cities, delivery times have been reduced to under 48 hours.
For instance, JD Super’s partnership with Raub of Malaysia enables the import of Musang King durians, which are harvested at peak ripeness and air-shipped with cold chain logistics for delivery within 24 hours. Additionally, JD.com also secured an early supply of Chilean cherries, available since October, which can be delivered in as little as 30 minutes in many areas through JD NOW, its on-demand retail service.
JD.com’s “JD National Pavilions” program, which features over 150 country-themed flagship stores from more than 70 countries and regions, continues to be a cornerstone of its import strategy. Supported by embassies and reputable organizations, this initiative offers Chinese consumers access to premium products and cultural experiences from around the world. In April, JD launched the JD National Pavilion of Mali, introducing popular items like shea butter and garnering over 40,000 followers.
Expanding Healthcare and Logistics Partnerships
JD Health is also making strides at CIIE by strengthening partnerships with leading global healthcare companies, including Merck, Bayer, and Roche. As “China’s premier online health access point,” JD Health is committed to integrating digital and physical healthcare resources to improve access and convenience for patients.
Key collaborations include initiatives with Haleon to promote brain health and anti-aging for the “silver economy,” with MSD China on a digital diabetes management model, and with Teva Pharmaceuticals to provide patient education for conditions such as tardive dyskinesia (TD) and Huntington’s disease (HD).
On the logistics front, JD Logistics announced plans to double its overseas warehouse space by 2025 and expand its network of bonded and direct mail warehouses. JD Express now serves over 60 countries, enhancing cross-border delivery efficiency and supporting both brands and consumers.
Through these efforts, JD.com reaffirms its commitment to sourcing and delivering authentic, high-quality imported products to Chinese consumers, supported by an advanced supply chain that ensures a superior shopping experience.
(vivian.yang@jd.com)
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