Core Viewpoint - The rise of "reverse purchasing" by international travelers reflects the global recognition of the competitiveness of Chinese manufacturing and signifies China's transition from being the "world's factory" to a "global market" [1] Group 1: Market Trends - International travelers are increasingly using their luggage as "mobile warehouses" to carry back Chinese-made products such as electronics, toys, and home goods for resale or personal use [2][4] - The TikTok trend "ChinaTravel" has garnered nearly 1 billion views, indicating a growing interest in shopping in China among foreign tourists [2] Group 2: Consumer Preferences - High-margin products like data cables, small appliances, and unique souvenirs are particularly favored by foreign consumers, with significant price differences compared to their home markets [5][4] - Tourists are purchasing a variety of items, including traditional crafts and modern gadgets, which serve both as souvenirs and practical goods [4][5] Group 3: Quality Perception - The perception of Chinese manufacturing has shifted from being seen as cheap to being recognized for quality, with improvements in design and material noted by consumers [7][9] - The trend of "reverse purchasing" highlights the dual recognition of Chinese manufacturing's cost-effectiveness and innovation in the international market [9] Group 4: Economic Impact - The "reverse purchasing" trend is driven by policy openness and manufacturing upgrades, injecting new vitality into the Chinese consumer market and showcasing the transition from "Made in China" to "Created in China" [9]

Group 1 - The recent "May Day" holiday saw a significant increase in both domestic and foreign tourists in China, particularly in Shanghai, where inbound consumption reached 455 million yuan, a year-on-year increase of 211.6% [1] - The "immediate tax refund" policy for foreign tourists has been expanded, with Shanghai and other pilot regions experiencing a 22-fold increase in tax refund scale compared to the previous year, significantly outpacing the national growth rate of 18 times [1] - The majority of domestic tax refund rates are at 11%, which is highly competitive compared to the fluctuating rates in EU countries, further encouraging foreign tourists to shop in China [1] Group 2 - There has been a notable shift in consumer behavior, with foreign tourists increasingly finding that purchasing goods in China is more cost-effective than buying them abroad, leading to a rise in "reverse purchasing" phenomena [2] - The increase in foreign visitors to China is attributed to the high quality and affordability of Chinese products, prompting many to engage in shopping sprees during their visits [2] - The U.S. tariffs on imports have made Chinese goods more appealing to American consumers, who find it cheaper to buy products in China even after accounting for travel costs, indicating a strong demand for Chinese manufacturing [3] Group 3 - The influx of foreign consumers presents an opportunity for Chinese businesses to expand their international market presence by catering to the preferences of these consumers [3] - The goal for China is to not only be the "world's factory" but also to become a leading global destination for consumer tourism, encouraging international visitors to shop in China and promote Chinese products abroad [3]

Core Insights - The "May Day" holiday in China saw a significant surge in cultural and tourism consumption, driven by government policies optimizing the outbound tax refund system, which invigorated spending by inbound tourists and promoted Chinese goods abroad [1][3]. Group 1: Inbound Tourism Growth - The cross-border tourism market in China is experiencing a "dual-direction" trend, with inbound tourism showing explosive growth since 2025 [3]. - A recent report indicated that inbound travel orders on a major tourism platform increased by 173% year-on-year during the "May Day" holiday [3]. Group 2: Tax Refund Policy Enhancements - The newly implemented tax refund policy has lowered thresholds and broadened coverage, enhancing the appeal of "reverse purchasing" for inbound travelers [6]. - The policy allows travelers to obtain tax refunds through credit card pre-authorization, eliminating the need to queue upon departure, thus improving efficiency [6]. Group 3: Retail and Shopping Experience - More stores, including those selling local specialties and souvenirs, have been added to the tax refund system to attract foreign tourists [8]. - In Shenzhen, over 400 tax refund stores are now available, particularly in shopping districts and major shopping centers, with centralized refund points to streamline the process [8]. Group 4: Enhanced Consumer Experience - China is actively refreshing consumption scenarios to provide diverse experiences for foreign visitors, including the "Shopping in China" series of events that integrate shopping, tourism, culture, sports, and health [12]. - Various promotional activities and food events are encouraging both domestic and international consumers to explore Chinese cuisine and culture [12].

Group 1 - Multiple favorable policies are driving an increase in foreign tourists visiting China, particularly during the 2025 "May Day" holiday, with a notable rise in inbound tourist flow and the recovery of international cruise routes [1][4][7] - The first day of the "May Day" holiday saw three international cruise ships dock at Tianjin International Cruise Home Port, bringing over 2,000 foreign tourists, marking the largest batch of foreign visitors at Tianjin in recent years [4] - In Guangxi, foreign tourists are captivated by unique Chinese experiences, with Guilin receiving over 220,000 overnight international visitors in Q1 2025, a year-on-year increase of over 50% [9] Group 2 - The 137th Canton Fair coinciding with the holiday has led to an increase in foreign visitors, with convenient financial services and tax refund stores enhancing the shopping experience for international merchants [11] - Yiwu, known as the "world supermarket," is attracting a large number of foreign tourists with its "tourism + shopping" consumption model, becoming a key destination for "China shopping" [13] - The U.S. "tariff wall" has unexpectedly sparked a new trend in cross-border e-commerce, leading to a surge in "reverse purchasing," with some American consumers traveling to China specifically for shopping [16][18]

Core Viewpoint - The recent termination of the tariff exemption policy for small packages from China has not deterred American consumers; instead, it has sparked a "reverse purchasing" trend, indicating a strong demand for Chinese products despite increased costs [5][10]. Group 1: Tariff Policy Impact - The U.S. has ended the tariff exemption for small packages valued under $800 from China, imposing tariffs of 120% of the value or $100, effective May 2 [2]. - A dress priced at $18.47 on a Chinese e-commerce platform saw its price rise to $44.68 after a $26.21 import fee, reflecting a price increase of over 140% [3]. - Some products on the Shein platform experienced price surges of approximately 377% due to the new tariffs [3]. Group 2: Consumer Behavior - Despite the increased costs, American consumers are traveling to China to shop, leading to a surge in "reverse purchasing" [5]. - Data from Alipay indicates that spending by American tourists in China has doubled year-on-year, highlighting a significant increase in demand for Chinese goods [6]. - Social media discussions reveal that many American consumers are actively seeking ways to purchase Chinese products, with some expressing a desire for assistance in sourcing items from China [8]. Group 3: Market Dynamics - The phenomenon of reverse purchasing reflects a growing recognition of the value and quality of Chinese products among American consumers [10]. - The demand for Chinese goods is seen as a response to the structural impacts of tariff policies and the ongoing trade tensions between the U.S. and China [10]. - The increase in shipping costs due to tariffs has not deterred consumers, who are finding ways to navigate the challenges posed by the new trade environment [10].

Group 1 - The core viewpoint is that there is a rising trend of American consumers purchasing goods from China, driven by lower prices and the convenience of "reverse purchasing" [1][2][3] - Alipay data shows that in the first half of April 2025, the spending of tourists in China increased by 150%, with American users spending twice as much compared to the previous year [1] - The trend reflects a shift from Chinese consumers buying global products to foreign consumers increasingly purchasing Chinese goods, indicating new vitality and opportunities in international trade and consumption [1][2] Group 2 - The growth of "reverse purchasing" is attributed to advancements in China's manufacturing sector, including improvements in product quality, technological innovation, and design capabilities [2] - The introduction of an upgraded tax refund policy for outbound tourists, allowing immediate refunds at the point of purchase, has further stimulated shopping enthusiasm among foreign visitors [2] - The changing international trade environment, particularly the imposition of tariffs by the U.S. government, has made Chinese products more appealing due to their competitive pricing and quality [3] Group 3 - China's economic report for April indicates a stable start to the year, with a 4.6% increase in retail sales of consumer goods, accelerating by 1.1 percentage points compared to the previous year [4] - Policies aimed at integrating domestic and foreign trade are being implemented, facilitating connections between supply and demand, and promoting the expansion of domestic markets for foreign trade enterprises [4] - The comprehensive industrial system in China enhances the competitive advantage of Chinese products, while diverse consumption scenarios highlight the potential of the Chinese market [4]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the resurgence of cross-border purchasing from China to the U.S. driven by rising consumer prices in the U.S. and the appeal of lower-cost Chinese goods, particularly through platforms like TikTok and DHgate [1][5][10]. Group 1: Consumer Behavior and Trends - American consumers are increasingly seeking cheaper purchasing channels due to high inflation and tariffs on Chinese goods, leading them to platforms that connect directly with Chinese sellers [3][5]. - TikTok videos showcasing low-cost luxury goods from China have sparked significant interest among U.S. consumers, pushing these shopping apps to the top of the App Store rankings [2][3]. - The trend of reverse purchasing is evolving, with consumers actively looking for affordable options from China, marking a shift in purchasing behavior [10][11]. Group 2: Business Model and Structure - Reverse purchasing is characterized as a decentralized model that relies on trust and personal connections rather than traditional e-commerce platforms [11][21]. - This model allows consumers to engage directly with sellers through social media, creating a flexible and efficient supply chain that bypasses conventional retail structures [11][21]. - The article highlights that the reverse purchasing model is not merely a return to old practices but represents a new narrative for Chinese manufacturing's global outreach [23][48]. Group 3: Challenges and Opportunities - Despite the potential for growth, the reverse purchasing model faces significant challenges, including regulatory pressures, payment system uncertainties, and reliance on domestic platforms for sourcing [40][42][44]. - The article notes that only a few platforms have achieved stable profitability, indicating a competitive and challenging market environment [39]. - The demand for Chinese goods remains strong, suggesting that as long as there is consumer interest, this business model will continue to thrive despite its complexities [45][46]. Group 4: Future Implications - The shift from platform-based to relationship-based commerce signifies a critical evolution in how Chinese manufacturers engage with global consumers [48]. - This new approach is expected to enhance the understanding of customer needs and brand recognition among Chinese sellers, which is essential for their global expansion [49].

最近，海内外社交媒体被一条新闻刷屏了——美国人纷纷飞中国代购中国制造，理由简单粗暴："算上 机票，比在美国买还便宜！" 4 月 15 日，第 137 届广交会开幕，吸引超20万名境外采购商预注册。 支付宝数据显示，2025 年 4 月前半月，来华游客用支付宝消费金额同比增长 1.5倍，美国用户使用支付 宝消费金额同比增长 2 倍。 今年广交会升级低碳数字服务，首次引入了支付宝"碰一下"线下服务，让中外客商手机"碰一下"就可以 直达广交会客商商旅服务指引，一方面为全球客商打造绿色低碳的国际会展新体验，让参会变得更加轻 松；另一方面，也通过便捷的数字服务助力他们在广州用手机畅游畅买，促进入境游消费。 China Travel便利持续提升，240 小时过境免签政策、"即买即退"离境退税服务和以支付宝为代表的中国 移动支付等，共同推动"外国人来华买买买"成为跨境旅游新趋势。外国人来华旅行既可以用支付宝"扫 一下"支付，也可以"碰一下"支付，充分体验中国移动支付的便捷和多元。 来源：湖南日报 中国制造吸引着美国消费者，从衣服、鞋子、手机到扫地机器人等，都成为美国人抢购的热门品类。义 乌小商品市场、深圳华强北、杭州四季青 ...