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News about consumer spending and shifting shopping habits from around the world with a focus on developments in Hong Kong and mainland China.
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China consumption
Explainer
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How can China boost consumer spending? Here are 5 ideas being floated in Beijing
As Beijing’s efforts to boost consumption begin to lose momentum, top Chinese economists are calling for bolder action.
8 Jul 2025 - 11:22AM
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Banking & finance
Can Xiaomi disrupt the home appliance market like it did with EVs?
8 Jul 2025 - 8:30AM
Hong Kong property
Hong Kong economy’s ‘mixed signals’ portend retail ‘turbulence’, analysts say
8 Jul 2025 - 7:17AM
China travel
China’s visa-free policy pays dividends as overseas entries soar in 2025
China’s major cities have reported enormous increases in visitors from abroad, many entering under a popular visa exemption scheme.
7 Jul 2025 - 9:00PM
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Asean
Opinion
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Why Vietnam’s US trade deal is a high-risk economic gamble
It’s a strategic chance to catalyse economic reforms but failure risks making Vietnam a dependent client state.
7 Jul 2025 - 8:30PM
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Asean
Eating plastic: the hidden cost of convenience in Southeast Asia
If plastic pollution continues to worsen in the region, its people could face a wide range of health issues, medical experts warn.
7 Jul 2025 - 7:37PM
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Japan
Wages down, prices up: Japan’s cost-of-living squeeze tightens
With prices still rising faster than salaries, the actual purchasing power of Japanese workers continues to shrink – despite a boost in pay.
7 Jul 2025 - 3:11PM
China economy
Opinion
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Will China’s bid to boost domestic demand pay off?
Beijing is making great strides in the transition towards a consumption-based economy. However, the path forward is not without risk.
6 Jul 2025 - 8:30PM
E-commerce
Meituan captures record orders as e-commerce war fuels demand for delivery
Daily orders surpassed 120 million on Meituan’s instant delivery service platform on Saturday; Taobao and JD.com also reported good volume.
6 Jul 2025 - 5:01PM
India
Prada’s new US$1,200 sandal is an Indian classic. Is it cultural appropriation?
Was it an oversight or cultural theft? The Prada controversy highlights a simmering tension between global brands and traditional artisans.
7 Jul 2025 - 8:08AM
Hong Kong stock market
KFC, Pizza Hut operator Yum China adopts AI to spur efficiency, profitability
Digital ordering accounted for about 90 per cent of Yum China’s sales in 2024, backed by its 540 million ‘membership’ consumers.
6 Jul 2025 - 3:33PM
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China economy
Opinion
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Chinese companies must now focus on wooing consumers at home
Re-routing exports away from the US offers only brief relief; the playbook must now start at home, with China’s vast market.
5 Jul 2025 - 9:30AM
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Malaysia
Malaysia’s new ‘luxury’ taxes hit the middle class where it hurts
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim promised the new taxes would only affect the rich, but many ordinary families are starting to feel the pinch.
7 Jul 2025 - 10:48AM
Van Cleef & Arpels
Van Cleef & Arpels’ iconic new floral collection unveiled at Dumfries House
Van Cleef & Arpels CEO Catherine Rénier on the inspirations behind the collection, which combines the ageless appeal of precious stones with floral motifs.
4 Jul 2025 - 2:27PM
Asean
Opinion
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How Asian businesses can compete with China’s apex predators
China’s growing supply chains offer short-term opportunities but Asia must quickly learn from how it tests and strategically nurtures firms.
4 Jul 2025 - 10:50AM
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China trade
Chinese sellers bracing as Amazon Prime Day sale and tariff pressure to collide
Retailers say some of the price hikes from Washington’s tariffs are passed on to consumers, but they also have to eat up extra costs to remain competitive.
3 Jul 2025 - 2:09AM
China consumption
China’s real consumption ‘far from as low as it seems’, think tank argues
The consumption-volume gap between China and developed countries across various sectors is far narrower than mainstream metrics show, China Finance 40 Forum argues.
2 Jul 2025 - 7:00PM
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Alibaba
Alibaba’s US$7 billion subsidy deepens China’s instant shopping battle
The renewed push follows JD.com’s aggressive entry into China’s food delivery market in February.
2 Jul 2025 - 7:00PM
China economy
Opinion
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Labubu’s rise reflects hitmaker ability of China’s digital ecosystem
An ecosystem that combines e-commerce with social media, it turns users into marketers, breeds viral hits – and projects cultural power.
2 Jul 2025 - 4:30PM
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Electric & new energy vehicles
BYD, Geely bank on big discounts to set record car sales, dent smaller rivals
BYD had its best month this year in June, while Geely Auto is gunning for record deliveries in 2025 after a robust first-half performance.
2 Jul 2025 - 4:05PM
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Hong Kong stock market
China’s Laopu Gold surges 15% as investors devour newly available shares
Stock hits a record, bucking concerns that newly available shares – a 40 per cent stake – would trigger a pullback.
2 Jul 2025 - 4:31PM
Wealth Report
Retail services is the most prominent sector for IPO listings since 2024
Consumer and retail services made up a substantial share of IPOs in the last 18 months as innovative mainland companies eye international expansion.
2 Jul 2025 - 12:45PM
Coffee
China’s coffee craze creates bottomless cup of rural cafes – can the buzz last?
China’s coffee consumption has been increasing by double-digits annually, and many new ‘rural cafes’ are trying to brew success as the risk of homogenisation looms.
2 Jul 2025 - 11:00AM
Hong Kong handover anniversary
Editorial
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A July 1 with much to celebrate for both Hong Kong and the nation
Global recognition of Hong Kong’s recent strides in sectors from finance to education is the fruit of its increasing integration with the mainland.
1 Jul 2025 - 7:15AM
China economy
Opinion
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Global hit Labubu was forged in the heat of China’s demanding market
In China’s demanding market that’s shifting towards emotionally driven spending, creative brands that succeed can look to conquer the world.
1 Jul 2025 - 9:06AM
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China’s economic stimulus
Billions misused in China 2024 stimulus, from flood controls to gym gear: audit
Dozens of localities violated conditions of receiving funds, such as for large-scale equipment renewals and consumer goods trade-ins, top audit watchdog finds.
30 Jun 2025 - 6:30PM
Food and Drinks
How Hong Kong is embracing halal dining to woo Muslim tourists
In a drive to court tourists from South and Southeast Asia, and the Middle East, the government is promoting halal dining, but restaurants have yet to see the rewards.
30 Jun 2025 - 12:45PM
Hong Kong economy
Last bite for diners before popular City’super food court closes in Hong Kong
Popular food court packed with regulars and occasional diners before officially ceasing operations.
30 Jun 2025 - 12:07AM
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