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… Endeavour Tian. They expect some Chinese automakers to begin exports from Thailand to other markets such as Australia and Europe. In a January report, they noted that Chinese carmakers' share of domestic sales in Thailand reached 12.4% last year, up from 5.3% in 2022.
Surveying policy stances toward Chinese cars, the two analysts calculate that markets accounting for between a quarter and a half of global automotive demand will be effectively closed to both Chinese imports and investment in local production by 2027.
The US, Canada, and India are the main closed markets, but the analysts project that Japan, South Korea, and Israel will also cut off Chinese access, noting "substantial US pressure to impose national security-related restrictions" and the desire of the two East Asian nations to protect domestic producers.
Sebastian and Tian forecast that markets accounting for another quarter to a third of global demand will "make direct exports commercially unviable" through tariffs and other trade barriers, adding to pressure on Chinese automakers to produce locally.
At the same time, there are some signs Beijing may be starting to discourage local carmakers from investing in overseas production. Last year, officials from China's Ministry of Commerce "strongly advised" automotive companies against setting up production in Russia and Turkey while also urging caution about Thailand and Europe, Reuters previously reported.
Chinese observers are comparatively optimistic about the export outlook for 2025. CAMA's Xu expects overseas shipments to rise by a further 500,000–600,000 vehicles this year. Cui Dongshu, secretary general of the China Passenger Car Association, forecasts a 10% rise from last year's level of 6.4 million vehicles.
"Current global economic momentum is weak, and trade barriers are rapidly increasing," Cui said. "The spillover effects of Trump's aggressive tariff policies are expected to be significant."
As a result, Cui predicts that Chinese automakers may see no growth in international EV shipments in 2025, but he expects overseas sales of traditional vehicles to rise 9%. He sees sales of hybrids climbing 70%, with help from strong demand from EU buyers avoiding EV tariffs.
Many of the factories Chinese automakers are setting up offshore are only for the assembly of vehicles from "knocked down" packages of parts, an approach that China's Ministry of Commerce supports, according to the Reuters report.
For the moment, the companies may have little choice. "China does not really have an organized keiretsu system," said Michael Dunne, CEO of automotive consultancy Dunne Insights, referring to the networks of suppliers that Japanese carmakers maintain in part through cross-shareholding arrangements. "Will they (Chinese carmakers) source from global suppliers instead of trying to organize their own?"
So far, the answer seems to be "no."
BYD chairman Wang Chuanfu told investors at a private briefing in Hong Kong in March that to support plans to double the company's overseas sales from 2024's 417,204 vehicles, it will focus on using China-made parts globally, according to attendees at the event.
Similarly, in its draft prospectus in March for a planned initial public stock offering in Hong Kong, <a href="/company/chery">Chery</a> declared, "We believe the knock-down model enables us to quickly enter into new markets and establish a strong market presence while catering to customer needs and preferences and adapting to local laws and regulations."
Chery, long the leader in overseas shipments among Chinese automakers, opened a joint-venture plant in Barcelona, Spain, in December 2024. It said in its prospectus that it plans to further expand production in Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia.
Geopolitical tensions may ultimately not prove an insurmountable barrier to Chinese automakers if they do not translate into tariffs or other regulatory curbs.
The Philippines and Australia, which have clashed with Beijing on multiple issues in recent years, have emerged as major importers of Chinese vehicles. A key factor is that neither country is home to a significant automaking sector. Additionally, Manila has been supportive of Chinese car sales as a form of consumption, while Canberra has been keen to boost EV sales to serve its climate goals.
Back in Istanbul, solar energy company operations director Neslihan Dokuman is enjoying the performance of the BYD Atto 3 compact she started driving in March.
"There is a negative perception in Turkey for Chinese products in general so this EV changed my perception a lot," she said, adding with a laugh, "Our general manager leased a BMW, and I have been telling him mine is better."
This article first appeared on <a href="https://asia.nikkei.com/Spotlight/Big-in-Asia/Chinese-automakers-reach-crossroads-after-conquering-export-markets">Nikkei Asia</a>. It has been republished here as part of 36Kr’s ongoing partnership with <a href="https://www.kr-asia.com/nikkei-teams-up-with-36kr-in-asia-tech-news-coverage/">Nikkei</a>.

Chinese automakers reach crossroads after conquering export markets

Geely

East Asia

Chery

China

Transportation

Electric Vehicles

Mobility

Whale, a Singapore-based enterprise artificial intelligence firm, has raised more than USD 60 million across its Series C1 and C2 funding rounds. The Series C2 round, which closed this month, introduced a new group of investors: Bosch Ventures, MTR Lab, Singtel Innov8, MDI Ventures, and Gentree Fund. That follows the Series C1 round in early 2023, which included backing from existing investors Temasek and Linear Capital.
The funding will support Whale’s go-to-market expansion across Southeast Asia, North America, and Europe. It also plans to scale its engineering and AI research teams to enhance the performance, modularity, and integration of its enterprise product suite. The company says it will deepen its work in areas including spatial computing, voice intelligence, and generative AI.
Founded in 2017, Whale develops AI-native platforms that automate operations, support real-time decision-making, and transform unstructured data into actionable insights. Its technology stack combines artificial intelligence, internet-of-things systems, and scalable data infrastructure, serving clients across industries such as automotive, fashion, food and beverage, and consumer electronics.
Whale’s key products include SpaceSight, a video analytics platform that monitors in-store behavior and operational performance; Echo, a voice intelligence system that analyzes conversations and sentiment; Harbor, a content management tool for automating digital marketing; and Alivia, a suite of AI agents for search, compliance, and task orchestration.
The company reports it currently serves more than 600 enterprise customers across over 20 countries.
Investors in the latest round are said to bring strategic value beyond capital. Bosch Ventures and MTR Lab, co-leads of the Series C2 round, are working with Whale on sector-specific collaborations and new market opportunities. Their involvement aligns with shared priorities in smart mobility, connected infrastructure, and the digitalization of retail operations, areas that fall within the broader themes of smart cities and sustainable innovation.
We’re focused on pushing the boundaries of enterprise AI—combining deep tech with real-world operational impact,” said Jerry Ye, founder and CEO of Whale. Ye, a Caltech graduate and former data scientist at Meta, leads the company’s product and engineering strategy. CTO Shukun Xie, also formerly of Meta, oversees platform architecture and scalability.
Approximately 70% of Whale’s workforce is engaged in R&amp;D, reflecting the company’s emphasis on technical development and enterprise-grade scalability.
Donald Wihardja, CEO of MDI Ventures, said the investment aligns with the growing demand for enterprise AI in Southeast Asia, noting that Whale’s tools can address business needs in areas such as automation, compliance, and performance monitoring.

With USD 60 million and heavyweight backers, Whale charts its course in enterprise AI

Venture Capital

Artificial Intelligence

Deep Tech

Investment

Singapore

Southeast Asia

Firsty, a Singapore-based startup, has raised SGD 7.5 million (USD 5.8 million) in funding and announced a partnership with GlobalTix, a travel tech firm, to expand access to free mobile data services across Asia.
The company offers a freemium model that reportedly provides basic mobile data at no cost in more than 160 countries. It generates revenue through partnerships with platforms such as Uber and Trip.com, which pay to ensure their apps remain accessible even without a mobile plan or Wi-Fi. Users can also unlock additional data by viewing ads or by upgrading to high-speed access for around SGD 1 (USD 0.77) per day.
Co-founded in 2023 by former Adyen product leads Vince Vissers and Gauthier Thierens, Firsty says it operates its own technical infrastructure, allowing it to manage access at the app level rather than reselling bandwidth from other carriers. This model, the company claims, reduces friction in global mobile connectivity.
<figure id="attachment_153679" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-153679" style="width: 1920px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-153679" src="https://console.kr-asia.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Firsty-Gauthier-Thierens-Vince-Vissers.jpg" alt="Image of Vince Vissers (right) and Gauthier Thierens." width="1920" height="1280" srcset="https://console.kr-asia.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Firsty-Gauthier-Thierens-Vince-Vissers.jpg 1920w, https://console.kr-asia.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Firsty-Gauthier-Thierens-Vince-Vissers-720x480.jpg 720w, https://console.kr-asia.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Firsty-Gauthier-Thierens-Vince-Vissers-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://console.kr-asia.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Firsty-Gauthier-Thierens-Vince-Vissers-768x512.jpg 768w, https://console.kr-asia.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Firsty-Gauthier-Thierens-Vince-Vissers-1536x1024.jpg 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-153679" class="wp-caption-text">Image of Vince Vissers (right) and Gauthier Thierens. Image and header image courtesy of Firsty.</figcaption></figure>
The funding round was co-led by Speedinvest and Dutch Founders Fund, with participation from telecom veterans and former executives from Booking.com, Uber, and Adyen. Firsty plans to use the capital to expand its network coverage, grow its partner ecosystem, and accelerate user acquisition across the Asia Pacific region.
As part of the partnership, Firsty’s service will be integrated into GlobalTix’s network, which reportedly includes over 12,000 resellers and platforms like GetYourGuide. This will allow travelers using those platforms to maintain app connectivity for bookings and transportation without changing SIM cards or incurring roaming charges.
“Connectivity is core to the travel experience,” said Chee Kong Chan, co-founder and COO of GlobalTix. “Partnering with Firsty allows our network of partners to offer travellers instant access to mobile connectivity, so they can stay connected to their bookings, tickets, and transport from the moment they book, without needing to top up or search for Wi-Fi."
<figure id="attachment_153677" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-153677" style="width: 1920px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-153677" src="https://console.kr-asia.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Firsty-Grace-Fu-Dirk-Beljaarts-Vince-Vissers.jpg" alt="Photo of Vince Vissers (right) speaking with Singaporean minister Grace Fu (left) and Dutch minister Dirk Beljaarts during a government-led ceremony marking Firsty’s partnership with GlobalTix." width="1920" height="1280" srcset="https://console.kr-asia.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Firsty-Grace-Fu-Dirk-Beljaarts-Vince-Vissers.jpg 1920w, https://console.kr-asia.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Firsty-Grace-Fu-Dirk-Beljaarts-Vince-Vissers-720x480.jpg 720w, https://console.kr-asia.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Firsty-Grace-Fu-Dirk-Beljaarts-Vince-Vissers-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://console.kr-asia.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Firsty-Grace-Fu-Dirk-Beljaarts-Vince-Vissers-768x512.jpg 768w, https://console.kr-asia.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Firsty-Grace-Fu-Dirk-Beljaarts-Vince-Vissers-1536x1024.jpg 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-153677" class="wp-caption-text">Photo of Vissers (right) speaking with Singaporean minister Grace Fu (left) and Dutch minister Dirk Beljaarts during a government-led ceremony marking Firsty’s partnership with GlobalTix. Photo courtesy of Firsty.</figcaption></figure>
Firsty has previously collaborated with Uber to zero-rate its app, ensuring users can book rides without needing an active data plan. The company argues that this type of integration improves user engagement for partners and makes mobile access more consistent for end users.
With a reported 600,000 users, Firsty’s early traction suggests there is demand for a more seamless alternative to traditional roaming. While major telecom providers still dominate with established infrastructure and customer bases, Firsty sees an opportunity to serve travelers, expats, digital nomads, and unbanked users who may be underserved by legacy systems.
In five years, the company envisions a world where SIM cards and roaming fees are obsolete. Instead, users would remain connected by default, simply by downloading an app.
Whether Firsty can deliver on that ambition remains to be seen. But with regional momentum, institutional backing, and a model that ties mobile access to app sponsorships, it is positioning itself as a challenger worth watching.

Can Firsty kill the SIM card? A fresh fundraise and travel tech deal give it a shot

Telecommunications

… requests.
It’s the kind of headache most founders would envy. But Deng isn’t easing up.
“We’re going to produce as much as possible—and lower prices again,” he said. “Wherever the competitors are, we’ll follow. We want to make this market a little more intense.”
KrASIA Connection features translated and adapted content that was originally published by 36Kr. This <a href="https://36kr.com/p/3285477321352072">article</a> was written by Hu Yiting for 36Kr.

At USD 90 per unit, Seauto is quietly sweeping the pool robot market

<a href="/company/sohu">Sohu’s</a> first-quarter results offered a clear verdict on the state of its two core businesses: while the company’s online game division continues to deliver steady revenue and high margins, its media platform and marketing services are falling further behind.
The Beijing-based firm reported total revenues of USD 136 million for Q1 2025, down 3% year-on-year (YoY) but up 1% sequentially. That topline figure masks a widening gap between its performance in online gaming versus online media. Marketing services revenue, previously categorized as brand advertising, fell 15% YoY to just USD 14 million, its weakest level in years. Meanwhile, online game revenue held steady at USD 117 million, bolstered by fresh content updates and sustained traction from PC-based titles.
The disparity highlights an increasingly familiar challenge for legacy internet platforms: how to maintain relevance in an ecosystem now dominated by content-commerce hybrids like <a href="/company/bytedance">ByteDance’s</a> Douyin, <a href="/company/xiaohongshu">Xiaohongshu</a>, and <a href="/company/tencent">Tencent’s</a> WeChat ad network. According to <a href="https://www.grandviewresearch.com/horizon/outlook/social-commerce-market/china">Grand View Research</a>, China’s social commerce market is projected to grow at a 33.3% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from 2023, reaching USD 4.5 billion by 2030. Sohu’s media arm, however, appears increasingly sidelined, unable to tap into the blend of community, video, and monetization that drives engagement on competing platforms.
CEO Charles Zhang pointed to improvements in social features and content distribution on Sohu’s platform, suggesting that the company remains focused on increasing user activity and monetization. “Through various unique events, we were able to engage with more users, while promoting vigorous social interactions and distributions on our platform and generating massive premium content at the same time,” Zhang said. “Leveraging our competitive advantage as a mainstream media platform and our unique IPs, we proactively explored greater monetization opportunities.”
But the numbers paint a starker picture. While the gross margin of marketing services improved to 10%, up from 1% a year ago, it still reflects limited operational efficiency. With the segment contributing just over 10% of overall revenue, its commercial importance continues to shrink.
In contrast, Sohu’s online game business, operated through its Changyou subsidiary, remains a profit engine. The unit posted a gross margin of 85%, backed by stable user metrics for its flagship PC titles. Average monthly active users (MAU) for PC games rose 3% YoY to 2.3 million. While mobile MAU declined 22%, paying accounts for mobile games climbed 6%, driven by newer titles like New Westward Journey (not to be confused with <a href="/company/netease">NetEase’s</a> similarly titled franchise) and its international version, Journey Renewed: Fate Fantasy.
That performance mirrors broader momentum in China’s gaming sector. NetEase recently exceeded earnings expectations on the strength of both new and established games. Tencent, likewise, reported 24% growth in domestic gaming and double-digit gains in ad services powered by algorithmic optimization. Supporting this trend, gaming monitor sales in China surged in late 2024, <a href="https://kr-asia.com/black-myth-wukong-stirs-chinas-gaming-industry-as-a-fierce-arms-race-looms">propelled</a> in part by the highly anticipated release of Black Myth: Wukong, according to <a href="https://www.trendforce.com/presscenter/news/20250219-12475.html">TrendForce</a>.
Despite these tailwinds, Sohu remains a niche player. Its gaming revenues, though stable, are modest compared to its peers. And signs of attrition in its mobile game audience, following peak engagement in 2024, suggest challenges in sustaining momentum.
On the earnings front, Sohu reported a GAAP net income of USD 182 million—a rare profit, driven entirely by a one-time USD 199 million tax reversal related to a prior US tax provision. Excluding that, the company posted a non-GAAP net loss of USD 16 million, consistent with a business in strategic transition.
The company has managed to rein in costs. GAAP operating expenses declined 9% YoY, narrowing the operating loss to USD 19 million. As of March 31, Sohu held approximately USD 1.2 billion in cash, short-term investments, and long-term deposits. Under its share repurchase program, it has spent USD 67 million to buy back depository shares, reflecting management’s confidence in long-term value.
Still, the outlook is tepid. For the next quarter, Sohu projects game revenue of USD 96–106 million, potentially down as much as 35% YoY. Marketing services revenue is expected to inch up to USD 16–17 million, though it remains well below historical levels. The company anticipates a net loss on both a GAAP and non-GAAP basis of between USD 20–30 million.
The broader market has taken note. While shares of NetEase and Tencent rallied on the back of strong quarterly performance, Sohu’s stock showed little movement following its earnings release, suggesting muted investor response.
If there’s a lesson in this quarter’s numbers, it’s that gaming remains Sohu’s lifeline, but not its launchpad. Without a sharper strategy to reinvigorate its media platform or tap into emerging ad formats, Sohu risks becoming a two-speed operation: profitable in niche gaming, stagnant everywhere else.

Sohu’s ad revenue fades as it clings to gaming for stability

Sohu

Gaming

Creative

Content

Consumer Economy

Lalamove, the on-demand logistics platform operated by Hong Kong–based Lalatech, has launched operations in the UAE, marking its first entry into the Middle East. The company now offers full service coverage in Dubai, with delivery drop-offs available in Sharjah and Abu Dhabi.
The expansion aligns with Lalamove’s longstanding strategy of serving small and medium enterprises—<a href="https://kr-asia.com/from-pro-poker-player-to-portage-the-story-behind-shing-chow-and-his-freight-unicorn-lalamove">a focus that dates back several years</a>. SMEs account for a significant portion of the UAE’s GDP. “The UAE has long been a pivotal global trading and logistics hub, connecting Asia, Europe, and Africa,” said Paul Loo, chief operating officer of Lalamove. “By leveraging our advanced technology, we aim to empower SMEs and create earning opportunities for driver partners.”
Lalamove’s logistics model is built around instant matching, multi-stop delivery planning, and real-time tracking, offering businesses a streamlined approach to last-mile delivery. Its diverse vehicle types, ranging from cars to one- and three-ton pickup trucks, allows it to handle a variety of delivery needs while helping reduce logistics costs.
The launch is also part of a broader push to expand in high-growth markets. Before entering the UAE, Lalamove operated in 13 markets, including Hong Kong, mainland China, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Mexico, Brazil, Bangladesh, the US, and, most recently, Japan.
Lalamove <a href="https://kr-asia.com/uber-for-logistics-lalamove-enters-driver-starved-japan-market">entered the Japanese market in early 2024</a>, where a tightening labor supply and revised laws capping overtime for drivers created demand for more efficient delivery services. Lalamove responded by recruiting freelance drivers and applying its dynamic pricing model to offer flexible work opportunities while addressing the sector’s manpower shortfall.
whereRelatedArticle
Globally, Lalatech fulfilled 779 million orders in 2024, generating a gross transaction value (GTV) of USD 10.3 billion. The company reported 16.7 million average MAUs (monthly average users) among merchants and 1.7 million among carriers. It also held a 53.4% share of the closed-loop freight GTV market, a key segment of real-time, end-to-end delivery services.
In the UAE, Lalamove aims to position itself as a platform that supports flexible income streams for driver partners, echoing its approach in Japan. Features such as bonus incentives for completed missions, vehicle sticker promotions, and unlimited referral rewards are designed to attract and retain drivers. The platform enables them to arrange their schedules independently, offering greater transparency and control over earnings.
With this launch, Lalamove enters a market where demand for quick, reliable logistics solutions is growing alongside e-commerce. It joins other Chinese logistics players such as SF Express and Cainiao Network in tapping into the UAE’s role as a regional delivery hub. While the competitive landscape includes legacy providers like Aramex and newer gig-based entrants such as Fetchr, Lalamove’s history of adapting its model to local conditions could give it an edge in serving businesses across the region.

With UAE launch, Lalamove bets its SME-first model can scale in the Gulf

On-demand Services

E-commerce

Logistics

Hong Kong

Middle East

<blockquote>China Recap is a weekly roundup tracking Chinese companies expanding abroad, covering market entries, funding rounds, product launches, and global partnerships.</blockquote>
China’s corporate globalization strategy is evolving fast. Industry giants are rewriting the global playbook, while a new generation of companies charts fresh paths overseas.
China Recap tracks both—focusing on strategic expansion, brand building, and localized operations—to help readers make sense of shifting trends and understand how Chinese firms are reshaping their global approach.
Here is this week’s roundup:
China deepens cooperation with Brazil across sectors
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Sinovac and Brazil’s Eurofarma signed an agreement on May 12 to co-develop a vaccine production platform, expanding supply to Brazil and other Global South nations.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Chinese medtech firm Wandong Medical and Brazil’s VMI Group have signed a JV agreement to build a joint R&amp;D and manufacturing center for advanced diagnostic equipment. Officials say the move will boost Brazil’s medtech capacity and deepen bilateral healthcare cooperation. —<a href="https://finance.sina.com.cn/tech/shenji/2025-05-13/doc-inewkvzx4465007.shtml?cre=tianyi&amp;mod=pchp&amp;loc=12&amp;r=0&amp;rfunc=40&amp;tj=cxvertical_pc_hp&amp;tr=12">Sina</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">GAC confirmed plans to localize EV production in Brazil and launch a R&amp;D center in Sao Paulo. New models including the Aion V and GS4 will debut at a May 23 event as GAC advances full-chain operations in Latin America.</li>
<li aria-level="1">On May 12, Meituan signed an investment agreement to launch its food delivery unit Keeta in Brazil. The company plans to invest USD 1 billion over five years. —<a href="https://36kr.com/newsflashes/3290334039028102?f=rss">36Kr</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">BYD’s new factory in Bahia, Brazil will begin phased operations in 2025 with vehicle assembly from imported kits, reaching full production by December 2026. Originally set to open this year, the project was delayed by labor probes and bad weather. BYD estimates it could generate up to 20,000 jobs over time. —<a href="https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/sustainable-finance-reporting/byd-factory-delayed-brazil-be-fully-functional-by-end-2026-says-official-2025-05-12/">Reuters</a></li>
</ul>
<h3>WeRide expands robotaxi service in UAE</h3>
WeRide has begun trial operations of fully driverless robotaxis in Abu Dhabi. The pilot expands coverage to Al Maryah and Al Reem Islands, building on existing routes serving Yas Island and Zayed International Airport. It also follows WeRide’s receipt of a UAE self-driving vehicle license in 2023 and its partnership with Uber since 2024.
<h3>Shein leases massive warehouse in Vietnam</h3>
Fast fashion giant Shein has leased nearly 15 hectares of warehouse space near Ho Chi Minh City, its first such facility in Vietnam, sources said. The move aims to position goods closer to global shipping routes and reduce exposure to US-China trade tensions. Shein remains heavily reliant on China-based suppliers and vulnerable to shifts in tariff policy. —<a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/china/shein-set-up-huge-vietnam-warehouse-us-tariff-hedge-sources-say-2025-05-15/">Reuters</a>
<h3>Asia reached 646 unicorns in 2024</h3>
Asia had 646 unicorns by end-2024, with a combined valuation of USD 2.4 trillion, according to a recent report by the Asia Unicorn Forum. China led with 454 firms, followed by India. Most unicorns are in software, transport, and deep tech, and 96% are valued under USD 10 billion. The average time to reach unicorn status is five years. ByteDance topped the list with a USD 300 billion valuation.
<h3>Beijing warns JD, Meituan, Ele.me over food delivery war</h3>
Chinese regulators have summoned JD.com, Meituan, and Ele.me over concerns of unfair competition and labor practices in the food delivery industry, citing aggressive subsidy tactics and alleged restrictions on riders. The move follows JD's recent entry into the market with fee waivers and social insurance pledges. —<a href="https://finance.sina.com.cn/jjxw/2025-05-14/doc-inewnyzh0638032.shtml">Dazhong News</a>
whereRelatedArticle
<h3>Meitu’s Wink surpasses 30 million global users, tops charts in Southeast Asia</h3>
Wink, a video editing app developed by Chinese tech firm Meitu, now has over 30 million monthly active users worldwide. It currently ranks first in app stores across several Southeast Asian markets, including Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia, making it Meitu’s third largest product after MeituPic and BeautyCam.
<h3>Naixue rebrands ahead of expansion</h3>
Naixue, which operates stores in Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand, appears to be testing a new name and logo ahead of its planned entry into Western markets. Photos shared on Chinese social media show the brand rebranded as “Naìsnow,” blending Chinese phonetics with English styling.
<h3>Huawei and Keppel partner on clean energy</h3>
Huawei and Keppel have signed a non-binding MOU to co-develop renewable energy solutions focused on photovoltaic systems and battery storage. Projects will cover ASEAN power grids, low-carbon data centers, and hybrid energy platforms, with real-time optimization managed through Keppel’s ONC hub in Singapore. The partnership supports Singapore’s broader push for sustainable energy adoption.
<h3>China opens direct truck routes to Hanoi</h3>
China launched two direct international road freight routes to Hanoi on May 14, with convoys departing Nanning and Kunming under CBTA permits. The move marks the first time Chinese freight trucks enter Vietnam’s interior directly, cutting costs and transit time. —<a href="https://baijiahao.baidu.com/s?id=1832061528505991829&amp;wfr=spider&amp;for=pc">People’s Daily</a>
<h3>Chery, NTU launch joint EV research hub</h3>
Chery and Nanyang Technological University have partnered to launch a co-innovation center under Chery’s global open-source initiative. Located in Wuhu and led by Chery’s Kaiyang Lab, the collaboration will focus on technologies for intelligent, low-carbon vehicles and cross-border talent development. —<a href="https://www.ithome.com/0/852/501.htm">IT Zhijia</a>
That wraps up this edition of China Recap. If your company is expanding internationally, we’d love to hear about your latest milestones. <a href="mailto:changweiqian@global.36kr.com">Get in touch</a> to share your story.

China Recap | Chinese firms deepen expansion in Brazil and other markets

… trust’s not really there anymore.” Even without the tariff shock, he added, “those golden years of easy exports were over anyway. It’s just not going back to how it was.”
In the early 1990s, with the fall of the Soviet Union, the world entered what’s now seen as the first era of globalization, which was built around a US-centric trade and financial system. Today’s ballooning US trade deficits are the logical end of that order.
Since Trump’s first election in 2017, the world has shifted toward “deglobalization” or, more precisely, a new kind of globalization built on more regional, multipolar relationships.
“It’s the worst of times and the best of times,” Chen mused. His initial fear and frustration have mellowed into a cautious optimism. Going global no longer means simply finding a new export market. For modern Chinese companies, it means being “born global,” designing supply chains and market strategies that can span continents and flex with disruption.
But old habits die hard. For companies used to the comfort of the US market, pivoting isn’t easy.
For Chen, moving into new markets feels like another gamble. “Sometimes the safer move is to stay put, even if it means making less. I can always adapt slowly when the time’s right.”
More capable firms, though, are already making moves, especially into Europe. Li Luwei, who runs a standalone site selling outdoor furniture in France, said she has noticed an influx of former US-focused sellers. “The a’re undercutting everyone. I’m trying to figure out how to respond.”
E-commerce platforms have caught on, too. Since last year, many have been funneling more traffic to merchants using local warehouses or hybrid fulfillment models. According to Sensor Tower, in April 2025, Shein’s ad spending in France and the UK jumped 35% month-on-month, while Temu’s rose by 40% and 20%, respectively.
Su Jian, one of Temu’s early top sellers, revealed that North America now accounts for just 20% of Temu’s overall sales. Shein is also reducing its US dependency. “The smart move is to follow the platform. Sell wherever there’s demand.”
Even overlooked markets are being rediscovered. Over the past month, Zha Jiulan, founder of B2B platform Egatee, has fielded a growing number of inquiries. “Lots of sellers who aren’t competitive in mature markets are now asking how to get started in Africa.”
Whether firms stay loyal to the US market or leap toward new frontiers, one thing is clear: the path ahead remains foggy and fraught. “For us in foreign trade,” said Chen, “if we’re not going global, what else is there?”
Grassroots entrepreneurship is in the DNA of China’s exporters. These founders may come from every corner of the country, but they share a common spirit: bold, resilient, and adaptive. As industry after industry goes through its own transformation, this generation of entrepreneurs continues to chart new paths, whether through tech, branding, or simply sheer persistence.
China’s economic resilience will be tested again and again. But if history is any guide, its exporters will weather the storm and emerge not just intact, but global.
KrASIA Connection features translated and adapted content that was originally published by 36Kr. This <a href="https://36kr.com/p/3292159752108167">article</a> was written by Yang Yuexin for 36Kr.

Tariff truce offers reprieve, not resolution, for China’s battered exporters

Retail

<a href="/company/temu">Temu</a> and other Chinese cross-border retailers are overhauling their business models as exemptions to US import duties are set to end on Friday, with the changes leaving individual sellers on these platforms bearing more of the risks of doing business in America.
Temu, the bargain-based platform of PDD Holdings, previously shipped most of its products for overseas markets from China. But on Friday, it said it has recently transitioned its US operations to a local fulfillment model, meaning that all sales to US customers are now handled by sellers based in the country and orders fulfilled from within its borders.
"Temu has been actively recruiting US sellers to join the platform. The move is designed to help local merchants reach more customers and grow their businesses," the company said in a statement to Nikkei Asia.
The change comes in response to the end of the de minimis exemption, a trade provision that exempts packages valued under USD 800 from import duties. This exemption has been a pillar of the ultra-low-cost business model used by many Chinese platforms to ship directly to US consumers under so-called full consignment and half consignment models.
Under the full consignment model, Chinese sellers only need to ship the products to domestic warehouses of the online platform, which then takes care of the rest, from price-setting and customs clearance to customer service. Under the half-consignment model, sellers are responsible for product listings and logistics, which may include shipping products from China to overseas warehouses for faster fulfillment, while the platform handles promotion and other operational support. Some platforms like AliExpress allow sellers to set their own price, while others like Temu set the prices themselves.
One executive from a leading Chinese e-commerce platform told Nikkei Asia that the trend in the industry is to gradually phase out the full-consignment model and have sellers take responsibility for their own shipments. Otherwise, the executive said, the burden on the platforms will be too high.
Eventually, the person added, local third-party sellers and Chinese sellers who take care of the shipment themselves will become mainstream on the platforms.
Temu, <a href="/company/shein">Shein</a>, AliExpress and <a href="/company/tiktok-shop">TikTok Shop</a> have all begun raising prices for US customers. For products stored in warehouses outside of the US, which are no longer available, Temu had a tariff surcharge as high as 150% of the product's price tag, according to Nikkei's observations.
As of May 2, Shein continued to list such items, adding tariffs charges to the total cost at time of checkout, but without providing a detailed breakdown. According to people familiar with the matter, the fast fashion giant is attempting to absorb a portion of the tariffs itself in an effort to remain price-competitive, following a significant decline in profit last year. Shein adds a tariff charge of around 50% to the price of some of the products, Nikkei found.
Shein and AliExpress did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
US President Donald Trump ended the de minimis exemption without warning in early February, only to pause the order for three months after it caused chaos for customs inspectors. But starting May 2, small parcels shipped from mainland China and Hong Kong will face tariffs as high as 120% or a flat fee of USD 100–200 per package. The tariffs will be further increased on June 1. The industry is also bracing for more disruptions at ports, as shippers will have to report each package to US customs, which could require further processing to apply the tariffs.
One Chinese freight forwarder told Nikkei they expect the inspection rate at US ports to be at around 75% after May 2, and now they require payment of the product price plus an additional 150% before accepting and shipping goods. In the past, freight forwarders would also handle customs clearance, but now they do not dare to.
Chinese e-commerce platforms were not caught off guard by this latest trade disruption. Discussions about canceling or reforming the de minimis exemption in the US began gaining traction in the early 2020s, with significant attention emerging around 2024. As a result, Shein, Temu, and AliExpress had already started to recruit local sellers as early as 2023 to counter potential risks, but progress has been slow.
This article first appeared on <a href="https://asia.nikkei.com/Economy/Trade-war/US-tariffs-force-China-s-e-retailers-to-revamp-overseas-sales-model">Nikkei Asia</a>. It has been republished here as part of 36Kr’s ongoing partnership with <a href="https://www.kr-asia.com/nikkei-teams-up-with-36kr-in-asia-tech-news-coverage/">Nikkei</a>.

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