Summary of PDD Holdings Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: PDD Holdings - **Industry**: E-commerce, Agriculture Key Points and Arguments Financial Performance - In Q3 2025, PDD Holdings reported total revenue of **RMB 108.3 billion**, a **9% year-over-year increase** driven by growth in online marketing and transaction services revenue [2][9] - Online marketing services and other revenue reached **RMB 53.3 billion**, up **8%** year-over-year, while transaction services revenue was **RMB 54.9 billion**, increasing by **10%** [9] - Operating profit margin slightly decreased to **25%**, with total operating costs rising **18%** to **RMB 46.8 billion** [9][10] Agricultural Initiatives - PDD Holdings has made long-term investments in the agricultural sector, resulting in a **47% year-over-year growth** in agricultural sales in H1 2025 [2][5] - The number of merchants born in the 2000s increased by over **30%**, indicating a growing merchant base [2][5] - A **RMB 1 billion subsidy** program was launched to support **300,000 agricultural merchants**, enhancing the distribution of agricultural products from rural to urban markets [5] Competitive Strategy - To address competition in the e-commerce sector, PDD Holdings is investing in its platform ecosystem, including a **RMB 100 billion support plan** to improve merchant quality [2][6] - The number of high-quality SKUs increased by over **50%**, and the number of brand stores significantly rose, indicating a shift towards higher quality development in key industrial areas [2][6] Future Development Strategy - PDD Holdings aims to focus on creating long-term value for consumers and enhancing platform quality, with plans for more strategic initiatives similar to the **RMB 100 billion support plan** [7][11] - The company is adapting to global trade policies, tax regulations, and data security changes to meet diverse consumer needs [2][7] Economic Impact in Western Regions - The removal of transit fees has significantly boosted economic activity in western regions, leading to increased orders for products like pet supplies and fresh agricultural products [2][8] Challenges and Compliance - PDD Holdings faces strict scrutiny from regulatory bodies in various countries, necessitating a commitment to sustainable development and compliance with local laws [12][16] - The company is investing in a compliance team to navigate regulatory changes and ensure a safe shopping environment [12][16] Social Responsibility - PDD Holdings has initiated several strategic programs, including a **RMB 100 billion agricultural research plan**, to contribute to rural revitalization and industry upgrades [17] Long-term Investment and Profitability - The company acknowledges that while current investments may pressure short-term profits, they are essential for establishing a sustainable ecosystem and long-term value [18][19] - Management anticipates potential fluctuations in financial performance due to the complex international environment and evolving regulatory landscape [19] Additional Important Content - The company has established a merchant protection committee and upgraded its after-sales service system to optimize the business environment for merchants [4][11] - PDD Holdings is committed to enhancing its technological capabilities to streamline merchant onboarding and product listing processes [15]

Core Viewpoint - The new electronic customs clearance system "H1" implemented at the Port of Algeciras has caused significant delays in the import of perishable goods from Morocco to Europe, leading to potential spoilage and financial losses for exporters [1] Group 1: Impact on Exports - Moroccan exports of fish, fruits, and vegetables to Europe are severely affected due to customs delays at Algeciras port [1] - The longest waiting time for Moroccan vessels has exceeded 72 hours, increasing the risk of product spoilage and value loss [1] Group 2: Causes of the Crisis - The crisis stems from the new electronic customs system "H1," which was intended to modernize and expedite customs processes but has instead slowed down cargo flow significantly [1] - Key reasons for the delays include increased inspection of Moroccan imports, a shortage of inspection personnel, and a more complex verification process for certificates of origin (EUR1) [1] Group 3: Consequences for Importers - Due to prolonged waiting times and declining product quality, several European import companies have been forced to reject Moroccan seafood and fresh agricultural products [1] - The association representing perishable goods importers has urged Spanish authorities to take corrective measures to prevent further deterioration of the situation [1] - If the "technical obstacles" persist, it could severely impact the food supply chain between Morocco and Europe and damage the reputation of Algeciras port as a key logistics hub for fresh produce in the Mediterranean region [1]

Core Viewpoint - The company aims to diversify its product offerings by exporting various new products from China to Asian and European markets, responding to the challenges faced in its current fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) trade business [1][2] Group 1: Business Strategy - The company intends to expand its packaging food, beverage, and household consumer goods trade business due to significant improvements in the quality and price advantages of Chinese products [1] - The company is continuously reviewing its import trade operations to streamline unprofitable segments and reduce operational costs in response to increasing competition from local brands [1] - The company plans to expand its agricultural processing center in Dongguan, which serves as a crucial hub for fresh agricultural product trade, providing pre-prepared and cooked fresh produce to well-known fast-food chains and school canteens [1] Group 2: Market Conditions - The FMCG trade business is facing adverse market conditions due to the growing preference of Chinese consumers for local products, driven by competitive pricing and increased market share through advertising [1] - The company believes that its established supply chain and market expertise in China will support the development of its export business and local fresh agricultural product trade [2]

Group 1: Tariff Impact Overview - The latest round of tariffs in the U.S. took effect on August 7, raising the average tariff rate to 18.6%, the highest since 1933, resulting in an estimated annual increase of $2,400 in household spending [1] Group 2: Price Increases by Product Category - **Electronics**: Computer prices rose nearly 5% year-on-year as of June, with short-term price increases projected at 18.2% and long-term at 7.7% [2] - **Clothing and Leather Goods**: Prices are expected to rise nearly 20% even after supply chain adjustments [4] - **Footwear**: Nike announced price increases for certain shoe models, with specific increases varying by style, as they plan to pass on tariff costs to consumers [6] - **Toys**: Prices increased by 3.2% in Q2, with over 75% of toys relying on Chinese production, making it difficult to shift production locations [9] - **Home Appliances and Household Goods**: Major retailers like Walmart and Costco have begun raising prices on appliances and kitchen products, though specific increases are not yet disclosed [11] - **Consumer Goods**: Procter & Gamble plans to raise prices on products like Tide and Pampers by an average of 2.5% to offset approximately $1 billion in tariff costs [13] - **Food and Agricultural Products**: Overall food prices are expected to rise by over 3%, with fresh produce potentially increasing by 7% [15] - **Coffee**: Tariffs on Brazilian coffee are as high as 50%, leading to significant retail price increases [17] - **Alcohol**: Tariffs on imported wines and spirits from the EU will rise from 10% to 15%, affecting retail prices [19] - **Automobiles**: Average vehicle prices are expected to rise by 12% (approximately $6,000), with specific increases for Japanese and Mexican assembled models [24] - **Watches**: Swiss watch exports to the U.S. will face a tariff increase to 39%, leading to expected retail price hikes [23]

Core Insights - Amazon plans to expand its same-day grocery delivery service to 2,300 cities by the end of this year, more than doubling its current reach [1] - The grocery industry, valued at $1 trillion, sees Walmart as its leading retail competitor [1] - Customers can order fresh produce, dairy, meat, seafood, baked goods, frozen foods, and household items [1] - Prime members can enjoy free same-day delivery on orders over $25, while non-members will incur a $12.99 service fee regardless of order size [1]

Group 1 - The average tariff on imported goods in the U.S. has surged from 1.2% last year to 17%, marking the highest level since the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act of 1933 [1][3][6] - Tariffs vary significantly by country, with Canada facing a rise from 25% to 35% due to political decisions, and Brazil experiencing a combined tariff of 50% on certain goods [3][4] - The U.S. tariff policy reflects a "America First" approach, imposing high tariffs indiscriminately, even on allied nations, which has led to widespread criticism and concerns about international trade relations [6][10] Group 2 - The tariff increases have resulted in higher costs for U.S. companies, with Ford estimating an additional $800 million in costs and Procter & Gamble planning to raise prices on a quarter of its products [6][8] - The job market has shown weakness, with only 73,000 jobs added in July, significantly below expectations, attributed to disruptions in supply chains caused by the tariff war [8][10] - Ordinary American households are expected to face increased expenses, with estimates suggesting an additional $2,400 per year due to rising prices on essential goods [8][10]