Hello everyone, this is Cissy in Hong Kong, your #techAsia host this week.
In recent months, China’s live commerce industry has continued to gain ground, starkly contrasting with global markets. In the first six months of the year, China’s online retail sales exceeded ¥7.4tn ($1.03tn), up 8.5 per cent, partially fuelled by live commerce and instant retail. A recent Cyberspace Administration report even highlighted live commerce as a “vital driver of consumption and export”.
Overseas, even foreign streamers are benefiting from China’s robust and efficient supply chain, with many products shipped directly from China. For instance, south-east Asian customers ordering via a TikTok live stream can receive their purchases in just five or six days.