21世纪经济报道·2026-01-27 05:34Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the transformation of China's cross-border e-commerce platforms, referred to as the "Four Little Dragons," from a price-driven model to a focus on branding, localization, and quality enhancement in response to global trade challenges and regulatory scrutiny [1][4]. Group 1: Market Dynamics - The "Four Little Dragons" (AliExpress, Temu, TikTok Shop, SHEIN) initially gained market share through cost advantages, leveraging China's industrial scale and efficient supply chains [3]. - The platforms are now facing significant challenges due to rising global trade protectionism and changes in trade policies, particularly in the U.S., which has affected their low-price positioning [4][5]. - The cancellation of the "de minimis" exemption for packages valued under $800 in the U.S. has led to a decline in daily active users for SHEIN and Temu, with decreases of 25% and 52% respectively [5]. Group 2: Strategic Shifts - Platforms are shifting towards brand building and high-quality growth, with AliExpress launching a "Super Brand Going Global" initiative to compete with Amazon [7]. - Temu is also undergoing a significant operational upgrade to enhance brand value and quality, moving away from being merely a low-cost product aggregator [8]. - The focus on European markets is increasing, with AliExpress reporting a 57% year-on-year increase in orders in Europe, while Temu and SHEIN are also expanding their presence in this region [8]. Group 3: Compliance Challenges - The platforms are encountering heightened compliance challenges due to stricter international regulations, which now encompass data security, product safety, and environmental standards [9][10]. - Temu is under investigation by the EU for compliance issues, reflecting the broader scrutiny faced by Chinese cross-border e-commerce platforms [10]. - Compliance capabilities are becoming a core competitive advantage, as platforms must adapt to sustainable and profitable operational models while building trust with local regulators [11].