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China’s global export share surged 5x since 1990. E-commerce thrives with 3 new firms every hour. Platforms like Temu and Shein lead post-COVID growth.

China's share in global exports has skyrocketed, growing from just 2% in the 1990s to 10% by 2020. This fivefold growth highlights China’s rise as a trade powerhouse. While the U.S. remains ahead with the largest share, the gap is closing fast. This dominance is driven by strong manufacturing, efficient supply chains, and an ecosystem that supports cross-border e-commerce. China’s export prowess is also tightly linked to its thriving digital platforms, enabling access to global markets at unprecedented speeds.

In 2023 alone, China registered 26,000 new cross-border e-commerce firms, marking a 40% year-over-year increase. That’s over 70 new companies daily or 3 every hour! By 2024, the country is on track to hit 91,000 firms. This growth stems from government-backed initiatives, logistics innovations, and the rise of private platforms facilitating exports. As global demand grows, Chinese firms leverage their scale to enter international markets faster and at lower costs, fueling this surge.

Post-COVID, Asian platforms like Temu, Shein, and Shopee have gained massive global traction. Temu, the fastest-growing platform, leads Google search interest in 2024. Shein, known for fast fashion, remains a key player, while Shopee dominates Southeast Asia. These platforms thrive on affordability, variety, and mobile-friendly experiences, reshaping shopping habits globally. Their success underscores Asia's growing influence in shaping global consumer behavior, with platforms like Alibaba and JD.com also paving the way.