China rallies industry to support exporters' pivot to domestic market

China's top trade and retail associations are joining forces with leading companies to help export-oriented businesses tap into the domestic market, amid shifting global trade conditions and rising demand at home.

On April 11, seven major industry associations, including the China General Chamber of Commerce, China Chain Store & Franchise Association, and China Commerce Association for General Merchandise, jointly released an initiative to call for coordinated efforts to open up domestic sales channels for foreign trade enterprises amid rising global trade tensions.

E-commerce giants take the lead

E-commerce platforms have taken swift action. JD.com has announced a massive procurement plan worth 200 billion yuan to source products originally meant for export and integrate them into its self-operated domestic retail system.

Over 10 other platforms – including Alibaba, Douyin, Kuaishou, Freshippo (Hema), Vipshop, and 91 Home Textiles – have pledged to leverage their digital infrastructure to connect supply and demand directly. Their initiatives include direct procurement orders, dedicated foreign trade product sections, traffic support, fast-track channels, and supply-demand matchmaking services to quickly deliver quality export products to Chinese consumers.

Retailers open the doors

Supermarket chains such as Yonghui, CR Vanguard, and Wuhan Department Store Group have issued open letters stating their readiness to launch "fast-track" channels for export enterprises, enabling their products to hit store shelves and reach consumers as quickly as possible.

Retail alliances like Linkshop and Ant Alliance have also kicked off action plans aimed at empowering export businesses through omnichannel retail strategies.

Response to global trade tensions

In a joint statement, the industry leaders emphasized the importance of stable trade environments and reaffirmed their support for Chinese enterprises navigating policy changes and global uncertainty, while criticizing the US use of tariffs as a political tool.