BEIJING, China, Dec 28 — Niche sports products, intelligent hardware, smart home devices, and customized small machinery equipment made by Chinese manufacturers are experiencing a surge in popularity among overseas consumers, according to a new report released by Alibaba.com. The report, published by the Chinese tech heavyweight Alibaba Group’s business-to-business platform, highlights the increasing demand for personalized commodities among international buyers. In November alone, the turnover of pickleball paddles increased by a staggering 209 percent year-on-year, while sales of baseball- and badminton-related products, as well as camping and hiking gear, also witnessed significant growth on the online marketplace.
Alibaba.com attributes the soaring popularity of these products to the rising trend of personalized consumer preferences and the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) technology. The report reveals that overseas consumers now show a greater preference for intelligent consumer electronics and innovative household appliances embedded with intelligent technologies. Wearable devices, virtual reality glasses, and smart speakers, for instance, experienced year-on-year sales growth of over 30 percent in November.
Another notable finding from the report is the increased willingness of overseas pet owners to pay a premium for high-quality products. The transaction volume of cat litter boxes and pet feeders jumped by 102 percent and 128 percent respectively, highlighting the demand for premium pet care items.
Small machinery equipment that caters to the personalized demands of Generation Z consumers overseas has also experienced robust growth. Laser engraving machines, laser printers, and multifunction packaging machines have become particularly popular among this demographic.
In addition to personalized products, environmentally friendly items have gained traction with overseas shoppers. Sales of straw tote bags and knitted fabrics made of organic cotton with antibacterial functions witnessed a year-on-year increase of 78 percent and 49 percent respectively.
Qin Fen, responsible for industries and merchant business at Alibaba.com, emphasized the need for small and medium-sized Chinese manufacturers to enhance their AI and digital capabilities in order to meet the diverse demands of overseas markets. These capabilities are crucial for offering tailor-made products that cater to individual preferences.
Cui Lili, director of the Shanghai University of Finance and Economics’ Institute of E-commerce, believes that the growing popularity of Chinese products in international markets reflects the wide recognition garnered by cost-effective commodities and the positive reputation of Chinese brands abroad. Cui advises Chinese enterprises to utilize cross-border e-commerce platforms to swiftly respond to overseas market demands, gain a better understanding of foreign laws, regulations, and quality standards, and adjust supply chains accordingly.
China’s cross-border e-commerce sector has experienced robust growth in recent years, with the Ministry of Commerce reporting a 14.4 percent year-on-year increase in the scale of import and export through cross-border e-commerce, reaching 1.7 trillion yuan ($237.8 billion) in the first three quarters of this year.
Zhang Zhouping, a senior analyst at the Internet Economy Institute, emphasizes the role of cross-border e-commerce as a driving force for China’s foreign trade growth. With an increasing number of Chinese merchants using cross-border e-commerce platforms, micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises have the opportunity to expand their global reach and establish new brands.
Overseas consumers have demonstrated a growing awareness of and trust in Chinese companies and products. A white paper released by online media outlets Sina News and Huanqiu.com revealed that international consumers maintain a favorable attitude toward Chinese brands.
The report concludes by urging Chinese enterprises to seize the emerging growth opportunities offered by overseas markets, enhance their cross-border e-commerce strategies, and continuously improve product quality and meet international standards.
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