The picture comes from the Internet
Changes in overseas policies
1. The EU launched an anti-dumping investigation on China's tinplate products
According to a report by Reuters on the 16th, the European Commission launched an anti-dumping investigation on tin-plated steel (commonly known as "tinplate") imported from China to assess whether products imported from China to the EU are sold at too low prices. It is reported that the tinned steel plate investigation will last up to 14 months, and temporary tariffs may be imposed in 7 to 8 months.
China's Chamber of Commerce in the European Union said it was concerned that the findings could affect Chinese industry and future exports. The Chamber also said it was particularly concerned about the EU's practice of using what the EU calls undistorted prices and benchmarks to construct "normal values".
2. Pakistan launched an anti-circumvention investigation into the anti-dumping case of China-coated white-bottom bleached board/folding box board
On May 4, 2024, the National Customs Commission of Pakistan issued Announcement No. 1/2024/NTC/CBB/Circumvention, stating that an anti-circumvention investigation was initiated on coated bleached paperboards/folding paperboards originating in or imported from China, to examine whether the products involved were exported to Pakistan after minor changes to avoid anti-dumping duties. The products involved in the case are mainly used in folding cartons for high-quality consumer goods and industrial products such as cigarettes, medicines, cosmetics, food and spices. The investigation period of this case is January 1, 2017 ~ December 31, 2023. The announcement shall take effect from the date of issuance and the final ruling will be made within 9 months unless otherwise extended.
Emerging market dynamics
1. The transaction volume of cash on delivery (COD) in the Middle East and North Africa region has been halved and gradually converted to digital payment
Global payments company Checkout.com recently released its fourth annual Middle East and North Africa e-commerce report, highlighting the unprecedented growth in digital payments in the MENA region, as its total processing value has increased by a staggering 658% since the start of 2020. This surge is a testament to the region's accelerated adoption of digital commerce, with consumers' preference for online shopping continuing to deepen.
The report also reveals a significant shift from cash on delivery to digital payment methods in the MENA region. Over the past 48 months, the region's preference for cash on delivery has halved from 41% to 20%, reflecting increased acceptance and trust in digital payments, bank cards and digital wallets. This shift is particularly pronounced in countries such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Kuwait, where the preference for cash has fallen to 10%.
2. Brazilian e-commerce continues to rise, with online shopping consumers accounting for nearly seventy percent
E-commerce sales already account for 10% of total retail sales in Brazil, with online consumers accounting for 68% of the total population last year, three percentage points higher than in 2022, according to an e-shopper barometer survey by European express delivery company Geopost.
According to the survey, Brazilian consumers buy an average of 3.8 products online per month, with fashion, footwear and beauty and health products being the most preferred. Consumers appreciate the advantages of online shopping to save time and money, with 59% of online shoppers choosing international cross-border platforms to shop. According to a survey conducted by Jadlog, the transport company of the Geopost Group, Brazil's e-commerce market is facing inflationary pressures, but consumer confidence is still growing and online shopping habits are becoming more popular.
3. Argentina has relaxed customs controls on textile imports, footwear and other products
The Argentine government has decided to relax controls on 36% of imported products and goods, which previously had to be approved through the "red channel", which is the most heavily controlled by the Argentine customs authorities, which verifies that the contents of the declaration are actually consistent with the imported goods.
According to Resolutions Nos. 154/2024 and 112/2024, published in the Official Gazette, the Government "exempts those goods subject to excessive customs inspection from mandatory Red Channel supervision through documentary and physical supervision of imported goods".
According to the news, the measure has greatly reduced the cost of container transportation and delivery cycles, reducing the import costs of Argentine companies.
4. The Turkish e-commerce market will reach $22 billion in 2023
As a business hub where Europe and Asia meet, Turkey's e-commerce market is booming. Its high-quality products such as textiles, jewelry, carpets, furniture and ceramics are loved by consumers around the world. The Turkish e-commerce market reached $22 billion in 2023 and is forecast to continue growing. Internet popularization, the rise of mobile shopping, and the popularity of online payment methods are key factors driving growth.
5. Thailand announced a 500 billion baht economic stimulus plan, and the budget was expanded to 900 billion
Thailand's National Economic and Social Development Commission (NESDB) recently announced a 500 billion baht stimulus package aimed at boosting the country's economic recovery and long-term development through large-scale investment. According to information revealed by NESDB, this plan is expected to increase the annual investment budget to more than 900 billion yuan by 2025. The government plans to increase the capital expenditure budget to 5.1% of GDP to accelerate infrastructure development and promote employment. In addition, the government plans to repay 150 billion baht of public debt in fiscal year 2025 and focus on local development to optimize the fiscal structure and promote economic growth.
6. Indonesia's BNPL market saw significant growth in the first quarter of 2024
As of the first quarter of 2024, the total buy now, pay later (BNPL) credit recorded by Indonesia's Financial Services Authority (OJK) reached IDR 6.13 trillion, up 23.90 percent year-on-year. The non-performing financing ratio (NPF) was 3.15% and the net NPF was 0.59%, showing a steady growth in the market. Fintech companies such as Kredivo and Akulaku continue to expand on Paylater, while traditional banks such as BCA and Mandiri have also entered the market to offer innovative payment solutions. BCA and Mandiri have accelerated the diversification and competition of the market by introducing QRIS payments and offering diversified lines of credit. OJK's regulation promotes the healthy development of the market and ensures the growth and innovation of the business.
Platform dynamics at a glance
1. SHEIN's semi-managed model was officially launched
On May 14, it was reported that SHEIN's semi-managed model was officially launched in early May, and the first station was the United States. Under the SHEIN semi-custodial model, after the seller provides the supply price, he can participate in the pricing and operation with the assistance of SHEIN, and at the same time enjoy the autonomy of product selection. SHEIN's semi-managed products also need to be in stock overseas and can be fulfilled locally (shipped from the seller to the consumer).
SHEIN's semi-custodial model currently has the advantage of opening a store at zero cost, exempting commissions and deposits, but also setting clear entry criteria: only companies are accepted to settle in, and the registration of individuals or self-employed individuals is not supported for the time being; The weight of the product must be more than 400 grams, and specific categories such as clothing, wigs, jewelry, and food are not included in the scope of sale; In terms of payment collection, SHEIN semi-custody adopts the settlement of corporate US dollar accounts, supports third-party collection service providers, and the payment collection cycle is 7 days after delivery, and the overall payment collection time is about half a month.
2. TikTok Shop has launched new regulations to control restricted goods, and will face severe penalties for violations
TikTok Shop announced on May 13 that it will implement a series of strict product management rules, clarifying that the categories of restricted products, such as watches, certain maternal and baby products, beauty and personal care products, pre-packaged food, and electronic devices, must go through a detailed approval process and submit the necessary certification and test reports. In addition, some high-value product categories, such as luxury goods and jewelry, are only available to sellers by special invitation.
TikTok Shop will implement a strict listing review and random review mechanism to ensure compliance. Sellers who sell restricted products in violation of regulations will face removal from the shelves, and sellers with serious or repeated violations may have their selling privileges suspended or permanently revoked.
3、TikTok Shop东南亚跨境开放个体户入驻
On May 16, it was reported that TikTok Shop's Southeast Asian cross-border store officially opened a new policy for self-employed individuals to settle in, opening up a green channel for cross-border sellers to quickly go to sea. The policy aims to simplify the process and lower the threshold, especially for sellers who hold a business license for self-employed individuals in Chinese mainland and have certain experience in cross-border operations. Meet the following three basic qualifications to settle in: have a business license for self-employed individuals in Chinese mainland (registration time is more than 6 months); Experience in the operation of mainstream cross-border e-commerce tripartite platforms under the same license or legal person; The overall score of the store is greater than or equal to 4.3 points or 90%.
4. TikTok's five European sites began to attract local investment
TikTok Germany, Italy, France, Spain, and Ireland have now launched a targeted investment promotion plan, requiring merchants to have local goods, local warehouses, VAT, local turnover of 1 million and local business licenses. The program is especially aimed at merchants with local sources, local warehouses, VAT qualifications, local turnover of 1 million and local business licenses. In addition, merchants are also required to have extensive operational experience in other TikTok regions. The launch of this investment promotion plan also marks the further cultivation and expansion of TikTok in the European market.
5. The new "Marketing" tab in eBay Seller Central will be available soon
It is reported that eBay has redesigned the summary page of the "Marketing" tab of Seller Central. eBay store sellers now have easier access to and use tools to grow their eBay business. Add a "Create Promotion" button so that sellers can quickly create marketing campaigns to attract more buyers to their listings. Add an "Event Tracker" so sellers can track all promotions in one place. Moved the "Sales/Specials" option under the "Promotions" tab, and the simplified left navigation eliminated duplicate links.
Popular Industry Observations
1. In the 2024 Euro Cup consumption boom, eBay released a market insight report
eBay Ads Germany recently partnered with polling firm Civery to release the "Euro 2024 Consumer Insights Report". According to the report, more than a third of German consumers (37%) are already planning how to participate in the carnival of the European Championships. Sales of merchandise related to the German national football team on eBay increased by 400% compared to the same period last year, while sales of fan merchandise and viewing equipment also increased by 147% and 98%, respectively.
The survey also revealed five main types of fans, whose different needs are driving sales of related merchandise. For example, home viewing groups tend to buy home theater equipment and decorations that enhance the viewing experience; Outdoor barbecue party enthusiasts drive sales of outdoor items; Mass spectators and digital fans have increased demand for in-person viewing accessories and video game-related products, respectively. In addition, the market for football collectibles has also seen a peak in demand, especially for star cards and team merchandise during the European Championships.
2. The Southeast Asian market pursues cost-effectiveness, and the European and American markets attach importance to quality and design
The latest EchoTik data shows that TikTok Shop's marketing strategy in apparel sales shows significant differences in Southeast Asia and Europe and the United States. In Southeast Asia, especially Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand and the Philippines, consumers are predominantly favoring cost-effective clothing priced at US$0-US$10, reflecting the shopping habits of consumers in the region and TikTok Shop's success in attracting low-cost fashion items.
On the contrary, in the European and American markets, especially the United States and the United Kingdom, consumers tend to spend $10-50 on mid-to-high-end brands, emphasizing the quality and design of clothing. This market differentiation provides important insights for apparel sellers, Southeast Asian sellers should continue to adopt low price strategies, while European and American sellers need to focus on product differentiation and brand value to meet the needs of different consumer groups.
3. The total value of the EU's online cross-border market will increase by 32% year-on-year in 2023
According to the latest report of the European cross-border commerce platform, the total value of the EU's online cross-border market in 2023 will increase by 32% year-on-year to 237 billion euros. IKEA led European cross-border retail for the third year in a row, but overall market GMV fell by 18%. Macroeconomic instability, logistical challenges and competition from emerging brands are putting pressure on e-commerce in Europe. In particular, the impact of Brexit has been significant, and Germany has emerged as a leader in the European cross-border market. The report recommends that European e-commerce companies should focus on product quality, delivery times, community engagement and localized services, while embracing social commerce to remain competitive.
Trends in the service ecosystem
1. Maersk and CMA CGM: The freight price has risen to about 6,000 US dollars
On May 14, it was reported that Maersk and CMA CGM once again issued a notice of price increase and raised the FAK rate on the Asia-North Europe route. Among them, Maersk said that from June 3, the FAK rate from the basic port in Asia to Rotterdam, Gdansk, Felixstowe, Aarhus, Gothenburg and Oslo in Northern Europe will be raised. Small cabinets range from $2,825-$2,975 and large cabinets range from $5,500-$5,900.
Subsequently, CMA CGM issued a notice saying that from June 1, 2024 (loading date at the port of origin), the FAK rate for goods shipped from Asian ports (including Japan, Southeast Asia and Bangladesh) to Nordic ports will be increased to $6,000/FEU. This adjustment is a further increase from the previously announced price effective May 15, with a $500 to $3,200 increase for small cabinets and $1,000 to $6,000 for large cabinets.
2. The shipping price from China to the United States rose by nearly 40% in a week
On May 16, it was reported that since May, shipping from China to North America has suddenly appeared "difficult to find a cabin", freight rates have soared, and a large number of small and medium-sized foreign trade enterprises are facing the problem of difficult and expensive shipping. On May 13, the Shanghai export container settlement freight index (US-West route) reached 2,508 points, up 37% from May 6 and 38.5% from the end of April.
The Shanghai Export Container Freight Index (SCFI) released on May 10 rose 18.82% from the end of April, hitting a new high since September 2022. Among them, the US West route rose to $4,393/40 foot container, and the US East route rose to $5,562/40 foot container, up 22% and 19.3% respectively from the end of April, and has risen to the level after the Suez Canal congestion in 2021.
3. Cainiao Shipping opened the first Sino-US e-commerce express line
On May 17, it was reported that at the Yantian International Container Terminal in Shenzhen, a batch of containers carried by rookies were successfully shipped, marking the official opening of Cainiao's first e-commerce express line in South China. The express line is customized for Alibaba's e-commerce platform, departing from Yantian Port in Shenzhen every Wednesday, with an average of 12.5 days to Los Angeles Long Beach Port. After the goods arrive at the port, they will also provide services such as local customs clearance, port-to-warehouse transportation, overseas warehouse and final delivery.
4. La Poste DPD Group signed a cooperation agreement with Airport New City
On May 13, it was reported that Airport New City signed a strategic cooperation with France Post DPD Group, which will open an all-cargo route from Xi'an to Budapest, Hungary, and build an air transportation (distribution) center in western China. The regular all-cargo route from Xi'an to Budapest is planned to carry out 104 flights throughout the year, with 2 round-trip flights per week, which will bring about 6,000 tons of international cargo to Xi'an every year.
Source: DPD International Express SCFI Shopee USPS Cainiao E-commerce News Nikkei News SF Group One Shipping Ebang Power Securities Times China Trade Remedy Information Network Chinese Internet Data Research Information Center (in alphabetical order)
!["Set fire to the ginseng"! Brother Vladivostok admitted that he had communicated with Xuan Jing, and a photo of the two was exposed[fig]](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAP///wAAACwAAAAAAQABAAACAkQBADs=)