Geely

Volvo Cars

 of its Chinese-made electric vehicles (EVs) to Belgium as the European Union (EU) plans to impose tariffs on China-made EVs. The shift includes the EX30 and EX90 models, with possible relocation of some UK-bound models. Volvo, owned by Zhejiang Geely, is highly exposed to these potential tariffs. Trade tensions have led to anti-dumping probes against China, with the EU set to announce provisional tariffs by July 4. China has criticized the EU’s actions, and in response, Chinese dairy companies may seek anti-dumping investigations against EU imports.

Volvo shifts Chinese EV production to Belgium amid EU tariff plans

Tmall

 a trade-in service on June 6. Consumers can submit photos and details of their unused luxury items for appraisal and recycling at over 100 luxury brand flagship stores on Tmall. During this year’s Tmall 618 event, platform discounts for the Trade-In service can reach up to 960 RMB ($134.40), which can be used to purchase new brand-name products. Janet Wang, General Manager of Tmall Luxury Pavilion, stated that the service aims to support green and sustainable consumption. Second-hand luxury items from brands like Hermès, Chanel, Dior, and Louis Vuitton, including jewelry, watches, bags, shoes, and clothing, can be recycled if they meet the criteria.

Tmall launches trade-in service for luxury goods

Anta

Sports brand Anta announced on June 5 the signing of a 

 contract with table tennis Olympic champion Fan Zhendong, making him the newest member of its endorsement lineup, which includes Zhang Jike and Ma Long. With four Men’s World Cup titles and two World Table Tennis Championships Men’s Singles titles, Fan is one of the most outstanding players, second only to Ma Long.

Fan Zhendong

Anta signs Olympic champ Fan Zhendong as brand envoy

Golden Goose

 a new addition to its Super-Star shoe series, featuring global ambassador William Chan in the campaign. First launched in 2007, the Super-Star shoes blend casual, classic elegance with modern design, inspired by the dynamic scenes of Venice Beach’s skate park. In the campaign, Chan also showcases items from Golden Goose's Fall/Winter 2024 Journey collection.

Golden Goose unveils new Super-Star shoes with William Chan campaign

Brunello Cucinelli

 its first perfume collection in the Chinese market. The collection includes two fragrances: one for women and one for men. Inspired by nature, the scents are crafted with “aromatic aesthetics,” capturing the essence of nature and inviting consumers on a sensory journey to the Umbrian hills.

Brunello Cucinelli debuts 1st perfume collection in China

Jo Malone

Jo Malone’s is operating a "Island Getaway" 

 at Zhang Garden in Shanghai. It closes today, having opened on June 8. To fully embody an island vacation atmosphere, Jo Malone has created a grapefruit grove installation. Meanwhile, the "Surf Shower Installation" provides a refreshing splash, with the soothing scent of “Yellow Hibiscus.”

Jo Malone pop-up brings vacation vibes to Shanghai

Zegna

 on June 6 at Shanghai Taikoo Hui. The interior design draws inspiration from the Zegna Oasis, and features natural elements, reflecting Zegna’s sustainability ethos. The café offers Northern Italian cuisine and beverages, with coffee art that echoes the brand’s iconic No. 232 Road symbol.

Zegna Caffè opens in Shanghai, blending luxury and sustainability

Taobao

Taobao and Tmall’s beauty sales (final transaction amount after returns) 

 by 69.2% YoY and 40.9% MoM in May. Forty-eight brands surpassed 100 million RMB ($13.8 million) in sales on Tmall, compared to 15 brands in the same period last year, a year-on-year increase of 68.8%. All brands in the top 20 achieved at least double-digit growth both year-on-year and month-on-month. Notably, the data shows that 17 domestic beauty brands on Taobao surpassed 100 million RMB in sales in May, up from seven brands in the same period last year.

Taobao, Tmall beauty sales surge in May

China Eastern Airlines

Chinese tourism to Victoria state in Australia is expected to 

 with new direct flights to Melbourne from Shanghai and Nanjing by China Eastern Airlines, starting next month. Increased numbers of visitors is anticipated to add $205 million annually to the Victorian economy. Pre-pandemic, China was Australia’s largest inbound market, but tourism has not yet recovered post-Covid. The new flights will provide 100,000 extra seats annually and increase airfreight capacity by 3,650 tonnes.

New China Eastern flights to boost Chinese tourism in Victoria, Australia

Last year, Gangnam District in southern Seoul welcomed 185,559 foreign 

, a 209.8% increase from the previous year, making up nearly 31% of South Korea’s overseas patients. Most visitors came from Japan, China, and the US, seeking dermatology and plastic surgery. This surge, driven by interest in K-beauty, followed a pandemic-induced drop but rebounded due to initiatives like online fairs. The district offers enhanced services, including free airport pick-up and interpretation, and aims to grow its medical tourism reputation through targeted marketing and the Gangnam Medical Tour Center’s multilingual consultations.

China News BriefJune 10, 2024

China News Brief
June 10, 2024