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].