Chinese brands gain popularity overseas

Chinese brands are increasingly popular with customers at home and abroad.

In recent days, a string of new domestically developed products — foldable smartphones, smart glasses and panoramic action cameras — have hit store shelves, drawing long lines and filling showrooms with shoppers at home and abroad.

A consumer in Italy said there are so many Chinese tech products that he can barely keep up, adding that China's scientific and technological achievements and profound cultural heritage are genuinely impressive.

A woman experiences a foldable tablet manufactured by Chinese tech giant Huawei in a mall in Shapingba district, southwest China's Chongqing municipality. (Photo/Sun Kaifang)

Export figures speak to Chinese brands' global competitiveness. At the Haitong terminal of Waigaoqiao port in Shanghai, more than 4,000 domestically made new energy vehicles are shipped overseas every day. In just the first four months of 2026, outbound shipments of vehicles from the terminal surpassed 400,000 units.

The momentum extends well beyond automobiles. The Adora Magic City — China's first domestically built large cruise ship — has carried nearly 700,000 passengers since entering service. The C919 narrow-body aircraft continues to expand its commercial route network. Meanwhile, ultra-large-diameter shield tunneling machines and the CR450, the world's fastest high-speed train, stand as world records in their respective fields.

The rise of Chinese brands rests on more than engineering muscle; it is also fueled by cultural resonance and design creativity.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ New Chinese-style apparel, heritage-inspired lifestyle goods, and smart home appliances are all finding eager buyers.

By the end of 2025, China counted 1,455 officially recognized time-honored brands. Grassroots sporting events such as the Village Super League, also known as "Cun Chao," have grown into nationally recognized cultural consumption brands, while collectible designer toys, cross-brand collaborations and immersive consumption experiences are reshaping what it means to buy Chinese products.

People view Labubu products of Pop Mart displayed at the 2025 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 12, 2025. (Xinhua/Chen Yehua)

A new generation of Chinese brands is rising fast. One panoramic camera, prized for its creative shooting capabilities, is taking over global social media and becoming the go-to choice for outdoor enthusiasts. An increasing number of Chinese brands are becoming part of everyday life for overseas consumers.

Government support is adding fresh momentum. The outline of China's 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) lays out detailed brand-building directives across multiple sectors, including building leading brands, raising standards, and applying new technologies to expand and upgrade goods consumption.

China will strengthen brand cultivation mechanisms, deepen the integration of brand development with the real economy, and accelerate its push to become a globally recognized brand powerhouse.