If you are planning to target the Chinese market in the near future (or already do so) then it’s worth directing some focus to JD.com. Theresa May, who is on her first official state visit to China since becoming Prime Minister, met with JD Chairman and CEO Richard Liu at the Residence of the British Ambassador to China. Among the topics Liu and May discussed were JD’s plans to help retailers sell more UK goods to Chinese consumers, targeting JD’s 266 million customers.
Alongside the Prime Minister’s discussions, an agreement signed today JD and the DIT is focused on making it easier for British companies to access the China market via JD who have announced plans to sell £2 billion of UK goods to Chinese consumers in the next 2-3 years.
UK products, including everything from luxury British couture and tea, to chocolate, beauty products, home appliances and other items, have gained popularity in China in recent years. JD are China’s largest retailer and the number of UK brands on JD.com has doubled over the last two years, with sales in 2017 growing 100% year-on-year.
World famous brands Dyson, Clark’s, Johnnie Walker and Lipton are among the brands that have been popular with JD consumers. Over the past three years, Dyson sales on JD have increased by over 60 times.
“Many British brands recognise the huge potential of China’s enormous e-commerce market. JD truly understands what Chinese consumers want and has the resources to help British brands ensure success in the region. We’re looking forward to working with JD to bring more British brands to China in the future.”
– Richard Burn, Director-General of DIT China
In order to promote even greater sales of British goods, JD will launch special campaigns for seasonal products and undertake other activities to give brands more opportunities to reach Chinese consumers. JD will kick off with a 24-hour “Celebrate Britain” sales promotion for UK products this April to introduce the “Best of Britain” to Chinese customers.
