Is the era of huge profits in China's exports over?

When you pick up a product in an overseas supermarket and look at the label, the words "Made in China" are no longer surprising. But have you ever wondered what kind of business wisdom and industrial changes are hidden behind these Chinese products that have traveled across the ocean? Today, let's talk about the little-known stories of China's trade exports.

Once upon a time, Chinese export products were labeled as "low-price and low-quality". Mr. Zhang, who has been engaged in the foreign trade industry for 20 years, recalled: "In the 1990s, we mainly exported labor-intensive products such as toys and clothing, and the profits were as thin as paper." But now, the situation is quite different.

According to the latest data, the structure of China's export products has changed significantly:

• The proportion of mechanical and electrical products exceeds 50%
• The annual average growth rate of high-tech product exports is 15%
• The export volume of independent brands has doubled in five years

This transformation is not accidental, but an inevitable result of the upgrading of the industrial chain. The "Zhongshitong" where Ms. Li works is a typical example. It has transformed from an OEM factory into a solution provider with core technologies.

After the outbreak of the global pandemic in 2020, traditional foreign trade was hit hard, but digital trade grew against the trend. Data from cross-border e-commerce platforms shows:

• The export of home fitness equipment increased by 300%
• The orders for smart small household appliances doubled
• The live-streaming sales model has gone overseas

An industry insider who preferred not to be named said: "By analyzing overseas demands through big data, we can achieve 'production on demand', which has completely changed the stocking mode of traditional foreign trade."

With the increasing global awareness of environmental protection, markets such as the European Union have raised their access standards one after another. This is both a challenge and an opportunity for export enterprises:

• The export of photovoltaic modules has maintained a growth rate of 20% for five consecutive years
• The export volume of the new energy vehicle industry chain has exceeded 100 billion
• Recyclable packaging materials have become a new growth point

Environmental protection is no longer a cost burden, but a new competitiveness. The technical director of a new energy enterprise revealed: "Our battery recycling technology has obtained multiple international certifications, which has directly brought about an increase in orders."

Standing at a new historical juncture, China's trade exports are facing unprecedented opportunities and challenges. For individuals, this may mean:

• The golden window period for starting a business in cross-border e-commerce
• The scarcity of talents in minor languages in the market
• The revaluation of the value of supply chain management positions

Next time when you see "Made in China", you might as well think a little more: Behind it are the innovations and perseverance of countless enterprises, and it is also a vivid manifestation of the resilience of the Chinese economy. What do you think the next export hit product will be? Welcome to share your observations in the comment section!