Core Insights - The article discusses the evolving consumer trends observed at the China International Import Expo (CIIE), highlighting a shift towards self-pleasure and emotional value in purchasing decisions, particularly in luxury goods and lifestyle products [5][10]. Group 1: Consumer Trends - The motivation for purchasing luxury goods has shifted from showcasing status to seeking personal happiness, with "self-pleasure" and "emotional value" becoming key drivers in consumer decision-making [5]. - The rise of the "pet economy" is evident, with a dedicated pet-themed exhibition area at CIIE, reflecting the growing demand for pet-related products and services [9]. - The trend of "active health management" is emerging, with consumers increasingly seeking products that offer tangible health benefits rather than just marketing concepts [10]. Group 2: Company Innovations - Bulgari introduced "Connected Jewelry," allowing consumers to trace the origins and quality of gemstones, enhancing trust and experience [6]. - Pop Mart showcased immersive experiences with popular IPs, indicating a global trend towards emotional value in consumer products [7]. - LEGO created a "City Walk" experience at CIIE, emphasizing play as a universal language and appealing to both local and international audiences [8]. Group 3: Health and Wellness - Inne, a German nutrition brand, reported significant growth in children's nutritional products, indicating a shift towards proactive health management among consumers [10]. - The introduction of innovative health products, such as liquid calcium, reflects the changing focus from traditional supplements to more comprehensive health solutions [10]. - The demand for high-quality, personalized healthcare solutions is increasing, particularly among the aging population, as seen in the offerings from Edward Lifesciences [13][14]. Group 4: Aging Population - The CIIE highlighted the "silver economy," showcasing products designed for the elderly, including safety and wellness solutions [12]. - Companies are increasingly focusing on the unique healthcare needs of older adults, with innovations aimed at improving their quality of life [14]. - The introduction of AI-driven interactive robots for elderly care reflects the growing emphasis on emotional support and safety monitoring for seniors [14].

Group 1: Consumer Trends - The core consumer motivation has shifted from showcasing wealth to seeking personal happiness, with "self-pleasure" and emotional value becoming key drivers in purchasing decisions [2][3] - The pet economy is thriving, with the establishment of a dedicated pet-themed exhibition area at the expo, reflecting the growing demand for pet-related products and services [5] - The trend of "self-pleasure" and emotional value is also evident in the rise of immersive experiences and personalized products, as seen with brands like LEGO and Brother [4][6] Group 2: Health and Wellness - Consumers are increasingly proactive about health management, moving from passive responses to active engagement, as demonstrated by the success of innovative health products at the expo [7][8] - The demand for high-quality, effective health products is rising, with a notable increase in inquiries about clinical efficacy at the expo [7] - The introduction of new health products, such as liquid calcium for both mothers and infants, indicates a shift towards comprehensive health solutions [7] Group 3: Aging Population - The expo highlighted the "silver economy," showcasing products and services tailored for the aging population, including rehabilitation aids and home safety solutions [9][10] - Companies are focusing on personalized treatment options for age-related health issues, particularly in the field of cardiac care, to meet the unique needs of Chinese patients [10][11] - Innovations like interactive robots aimed at providing companionship and safety for the elderly reflect the growing attention to emotional and practical needs in the aging demographic [11]

Economic Performance - Zhejiang's economy has shown resilience and progress, achieving a stable operation with significant growth in key economic indicators [2][6] - From January to May, Zhejiang's exports reached 1.69 trillion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 9.6%, accounting for 15.9% of the national total [2][11] - The province's contribution to national export growth was 20.7%, ranking first in the country [2] Consumption and Investment - In May, Zhejiang's retail sales of consumer goods totaled 338.4 billion yuan, with a year-on-year growth of 7.2%, marking the second-highest growth since 2025 [2] - Fixed asset investment in Zhejiang from January to May grew at the highest rate among the four eastern provinces, with project investment increasing by 12.1% [3][5] Industrial Growth - The industrial economy in Zhejiang has consistently outpaced national growth, with a 8.9% increase in industrial added value in the first quarter [5] - Despite challenges such as high tariffs, the industrial growth rates for April and May remained above the national average [5] Innovation and New Products - Zhejiang has seen a surge in innovation, with high-tech manufacturing and strategic emerging industries showing significant growth [9] - New product output rates reached 41.7%, indicating a strong focus on innovation and technology [9] Government Support and Policies - The provincial government has implemented a robust economic policy framework, maintaining a fiscal budget exceeding 104.2 billion yuan to support economic activities [12] - The government has also launched initiatives to boost consumption, resulting in improved consumer data [12] Private Sector Resilience - The private sector in Zhejiang has demonstrated strong resilience, with private industrial enterprises' added value increasing by 5.9% from January to May [15] - The number of foreign trade enterprises in the province reached 106,000, with private enterprises accounting for 81.7% of total trade value [15]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the evolution of Zhejiang's economy through the "Sweet Potato Economy" theory, emphasizing the importance of Zhejiang merchants expanding globally to enhance local development and economic growth [1][2]. Group 1: Economic Growth and Development - Zhejiang's economic total has grown from 800 billion in 2002 to 9.01 trillion in 2024, with foreign trade exceeding 5 trillion for the first time, and exports ranking second nationally for two consecutive years [1]. - Over 600,000 Zhejiang merchants are actively engaged in markets outside the province, with more than 200,000 operating in over 180 countries and regions globally [4]. Group 2: Global Expansion of Companies - Companies like Huayou Cobalt have successfully integrated into global supply chains, expanding operations from Zhejiang to Africa, Indonesia, and Europe, thus enhancing their competitive edge [3]. - The Delixi Group, after relocating its R&D center to Shanghai, expanded its operations to countries like Russia, Brazil, and Spain, demonstrating the benefits of "going out" for long-term growth [3]. Group 3: High-Quality Development Strategies - Zhejiang's strategy includes high-quality "going out" and "bringing in" to strengthen its economic base, with a focus on integrating into global industrial chains [5][6]. - The success of companies like Jack and Geely illustrates the effectiveness of acquiring foreign technology and resources to enhance local production capabilities [6]. Group 4: Digital Economy and Trade - Zhejiang is leveraging digital trade to enhance its international competitiveness, focusing on creating a digital trade rule system and promoting cross-border e-commerce [7]. - The province has hosted global digital trade expos and developed a "digital port" to facilitate international trade, aligning domestic supply with global demand [7]. Group 5: Future Challenges and Opportunities - Zhejiang faces challenges from increasing external uncertainties and the need for internal breakthroughs, prompting a push for high-level openness and the construction of a high-energy open province [8][10]. - The ongoing application of the "Sweet Potato Economy" theory is seen as crucial for sustainable development and adapting to global market changes [10].