TOPIC

Consumers

Consumers
News about consumer spending and shifting shopping habits from around the world with a focus on developments in Hong Kong and mainland China.
A Starbucks outlet in Kuala Lumpur. The operator of the coffee chain in Malaysia has been hit by a revenue decline due to a pro-Palestinian consumer boycott. Photo: Azneal Ishak
Malaysia

Malaysians trust media more while consumer boycott hits confidence survey

Local companies dominate the most trusted brands across the sectors, according to the Ipsos survey.

United States

Opinion | Trump’s executive orders will be no match for markets in grip of fear

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Food and Drinks

Mouthing Off | I don’t care if it’s not posh, give me more food pictures on menus

Boao Forum for Asia

‘Unstoppable momentum’ vs ‘big challenges’ in China’s cross-border e-commerce

Former deputy secretary general for China’s State Council warns of a potential negative impact from foreign import tariffs on small packages.

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Shoppers in Britain carry promotional Shein bags in December. Photo: Reuters
Electric & new energy vehicles

BYD out-earns Tesla after out-making, out-selling Model 3 producer

Chinese EV maker is forecast to widen its lead over Tesla in 2025 and 2026 global sales, according to consensus compiled by Bloomberg.

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Consumer protection in Hong Kong

Coldplay ticketing error: number of complaints to Hong Kong watchdog hits 25

Consumer Council to urge ticket seller Cityline to arrange exchange service as soon as possible to ‘protect the rights and interests’ of customers.

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China economy

Editorial | Beijing’s ambitious plan can help to prime the consumption pump

Communist Party Central Committee and State Council issue 30-point action plan aimed at reviving Chinese economy and stoking domestic spending.

Locals shop at a market in China’s Hunan Province. Photo: Xinhua
Malaysia

Fast fashion: food waste from Malaysian Ramadan bazaars hits the runway

A food waste-reduction group collected over 46,000kg of unsold food over the first two weeks of Ramadan this year, but said the actual wastage was likely to be much higher.

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Consumer protection in Hong Kong

Raging Sea Horse threatens to sue Hong Kong watchdog over low mattress score

Hong Kong bedding company gives Consumer Council hard time over score in ‘unfair’ mattress testing.

Technology

Opinion | Forget Doge, it’s Musk’s Tesla that looks in need of a rescue

Once an audacious pioneer in electric cars, Tesla is being out-competed by cheaper, more innovative rivals and suffering by association with Musk.

Elon Musk wields a chainsaw on stage at the Conservative Political Action Conference at the Gaylord National Resort Hotel And Convention Centre on February 20 in Oxon Hill, Maryland, US. Photo: Getty Images via AFP
Mainland China

Video | China’s 315 gala: a night of scandals

Watched by up to a billion people, CCTV’s 315 Gala highlights consumer rights abuses in China.

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China’s 315 gala. Image: CCTV
China economy

Video | China’s 315 gala: a night of scandals

Watched by up to a billion people, CCTV’s 315 Gala highlights consumer rights abuses in China

China consumption

Chinese economists call for wider social safety net to nurture consumption

With trade becoming a less reliable source of growth, Chinese academics have recommended demand-side measures to spur domestic spending.

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China technology

My Take | Will AI and robots drive China’s next consumer spending spree?

China is seeking the next ‘big items’ to encourage consumers to open their wallets. Technology looks to be a key.

A humanoid robot seen at an expo in China’s northern city of Tianjin. Photo: Xinhua
China economy

Opinion | China knows economic challenges lie ahead. Is it ready for them?

Beijing has withstood external pressures for decades but without strong domestic demand, those pressures are increasingly harder to surmount.

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Illustration: Craig Stephens
China’s economic stimulus

Explainer | What is actually in China’s new plan to boost consumer spending?

The Post breaks down Beijing’s new 30-point action plan, which targets a slew of underlying issues holding back consumption.

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Hong Kong society

Hong Kong’s consumer watchdog offers stark warning against educational courses

Calls for the industry to ‘recognise and address issues promptly’, after 94 complaints made in first two months of this year.

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Electric & new energy vehicles

Volkswagen to launch 11 new models in China as it eyes 4 million units by 2030

The new models will come with high-performance digital features, such as autonomous driving capabilities and over-the-air updates.

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Volkswagen is releasing the first electric model of the Jetta brand in China next year. Photo: dpa
China’s economic stimulus

China’s new plan to boost consumption is ‘most comprehensive’ since 1970s

The 30-point strategy to drive up consumer spending tackles a slew of underlying issues, from low wages to the real estate crisis.

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Consumer protection in Hong Kong

20 out of 37 make-up primers surveyed in Hong Kong may disrupt hormones

‘Women trying to get pregnant, who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid products containing potential endocrine disrupters,’ Consumer Council says.

China consumption

China’s retail sales rise as consumption takes centre stage amid tariff blitz

January and February saw a 4 per cent increase in retail sales, stirring hopes domestic consumption can make up for a shortfall in exports.

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People shop at the Miniso flagship store in Shanghai, China. Photo: Reuters
Hong Kong economy

Hong Kong consumer watchdog receives 12 complaints over Deliveroo membership

London-based Deliveroo will cease operating in Hong Kong on April 7, with the loss-making platform selling certain assets to rival Foodpanda.

Deliveroo will pull out of the Hong Kong marker on April 7. Photo: Sam Tsang
Banking & finance

China’s F&B sector faces challenges amid slowing consumer spending

Analysts warn that targeted measures are needed to revive the industry, as companies like Nayuki and Xiabu Xiabu report losses and closures.

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Electric & new energy vehicles

Tesla plans cheaper model to put brakes on China sales slide

The US company’s share of the world’s largest EV market has dropped to 4.3 per cent from more than 16 per cent in 2022.

Hong Kong property

Nicholas Tse, Stanley Ho’s family face falling property value amid market slump

Macau tycoon Stanley Ho’s family is selling a site in Tsim Sha Tsui, while actor Nicholas Tse’s shop in Central rented out at a big discount.

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Mainland tourists are seen in Tsim Sha Tsui. Hong Kong’s retail sales fell 7.3 per cent last year. Photo: Yik Yeung-man
Electric & new energy vehicles

Tesla pins hope on refreshed Model Y to revive faltering sales in China

Orders for the revamped model, which starts from US$36,292 have crossed 200,000 units, according to Chinese tech site 36kr.

Customers check a Tesla Model Y at a delivery centre in Beijing on February 27, 2025. Photo: AFP
Hong Kong budget 2025-26

Opinion | Hong Kong seniors are an economic force, not a budget write-off

Investing in their well-being and engagement could transform this demographic into a driving force for Hong Kong’s economy.

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China property

China’s commercial properties unloved as foreign funds sell for fourth year

Cumulative net selling from 2021 to 2024 amounted to US$11.2 billion, surpassing net buying in 2019 to 2020.

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