TikTok Shop Launches in Ireland; Temu Targets Premium Brands to Expand Beyond Budget Goods
Latest news and analysis on China’s global e-sellers
Here’s our pick for last week’s news:
Amazon Sees 20% Surge in Product Sales by Chinese Sellers
AliExpress Surpasses TEMU as Brits' Favorite Black Friday Retailer
Temu Targets Premium Brands to Expand Beyond Budget Goods
Hohem Secures 100 Million Yuan in Series B Funding
Alibaba Eyes Growth in Japan with E-Commerce App "TAO"
Temu Expands into Thailand with New Legal Entity
TikTok Shop Launches in Ireland
Chinese Brands Dominate Russia's E-Commerce in Electronics
Amazon Sees 20% Surge in Product Sales by Chinese Sellers
Amazon reported a 20% year-over-year increase in product sales by Chinese sellers, with a 55% rise in those making $1 million in sales and a nearly 60% increase in those reaching $10 million over the past two years.
AliExpress Surpasses TEMU as Brits' Favorite Black Friday Retailer
AliExpress outshone TEMU to become one of the top Black Friday destinations for UK shoppers, with traffic surging by 140%. According to Similarweb data for Retail Week, the Alibaba-owned retailer saw 2.8 million visits over the Black Friday weekend, driven by heavy discounts of up to 90% on products like smartwatches, electronics, and home décor.
The surge in visits pushed AliExpress ahead of major brands like SportsDirect, Nike, and Apple. In contrast, TEMU's traffic plummeted by 36%, dropping to just 1 million visits and falling 12 spots to 23rd in the rankings. This decline signals challenges for the fast-growing platform, which recently acknowledged slowing growth and profitability concerns.
Temu Targets Premium Brands to Expand Beyond Budget Goods
Temu is seeking to expand beyond its reputation for low-cost goods by courting premium brands. At the Footwear Show New York Expo last week, Temu sponsored the event's morning coffee and tea, networking with over 70 footwear brands, including Minnetonka and Katy Perry Collection, to attract higher-end merchants.
Hohem Secures 100 Million Yuan in Series B Funding
Hohem, a world-leading brand dedicated to AI tracking gimbals for video shooting, has secured over 100 million yuan ($13.73 million) in a Series B funding. The funds will support product R&D, marketing, and expansion of its distribution network. Founded in 2014, Hohem specializes in consumer and professional stabilizers for smartphones and cameras, known for its innovative follow-focus technology that enhances the user experience.
Internationally, Hohem now generates over 60% of its revenue from global markets, with its AI-powered stabilizers available in more than 50 countries. The brand is also a top seller in its category on platforms like Amazon.
Alibaba Eyes Growth in Japan with E-Commerce App "TAO"
On December 12, Alibaba Group held a briefing about its e-commerce app "TAO," designed for the Japanese market. The company announced plans to grow its team and fully tap into the Japanese market. Launched in October, the app offers more than 3 million products, including clothing, groceries, and electronics, with AI-powered recommendations tailored to user preferences. Orders are shipped from China and typically arrive in Japan within a few days.
Temu Expands into Thailand with New Legal Entity
On December 13, Temu registered a new legal entity in Thailand called WHALECO TECHNOLOGY (THAILAND) LIMITED. With a registered capital of 2 million Thai Baht ($58719.92), the company is fully owned by British Virgin Islands-based shareholders, holding 400,000 shares. Specializing in online market transactions, WHALECO TECHNOLOGY marks Temu's entry into Thailand, its third Southeast Asian market after the Philippines and Malaysia.
TikTok Shop Launches in Ireland
TikTok Shop has officially launched in Ireland, offering businesses the ability to sell directly through shoppable videos and LIVE shopping within the app. Exclusive to Irish-based businesses, the platform lets users discover and buy products from local creators and brands. Irish sellers can now engage customers in real-time through live demonstrations and product showcases, enhancing the shopping experience with interactive features.
Chinese Brands Dominate Russia's E-Commerce in Electronics
Yandex Ads data reveals that home appliances and electronics account for nearly 18% of Russia's e-commerce, with sales rising 28% year-on-year. Chinese brands, including Xiaomi, Haier, Huawei, and Lenovo, dominate key segments such as home appliances, laptops, and smartphones.