Shanghai May Day Holiday Export Goods Mega Sale: High-Quality Export Products at Discounts Up to 80% Off Sparks a Buying Frenzy
During the May Day Golden Week in 2025, many regions in mainland China, especially Shanghai, experienced a consumer boom of "export-to-domestic-demand." High-quality products originally exported to Europe and the United States were sold locally at prices as low as 20% of their original price, attracting a large number of consumers. Products included thermos cups that won the German Red Dot Award and woven shoes made for European and American brands. This phenomenon occurred because the U.S. increased tariffs, prompting companies to pivot to the domestic market and sell through exhibitions and pop-up stores, reflecting the trend of foreign trade companies actively tapping into the domestic market.
Key Updates
05/05 09:02
Shanghai May Day Holiday Export Goods Mega Sale: High-Quality Export Products at Discounts Up to 80% Off Sparks a Buying Frenzy
During the May Day Golden Week in 2025, many regions in mainland China, especially Shanghai, experienced a consumer boom of "export-to-domestic-demand." High-quality products originally exported to Europe and the United States were sold locally at prices as low as 20% of their original price, attracting a large number of consumers. Products included thermos cups that won the German Red Dot Award and woven shoes made for European and American brands. This phenomenon occurred because the U.S. increased tariffs, prompting companies to pivot to the domestic market and sell through exhibitions and pop-up stores, reflecting the trend of foreign trade companies actively tapping into the domestic market.
Shanghai Malls Spark "Foreign Trade Quality Goods" Buying Frenzy
During the May Day holiday, several malls and supermarkets in Shanghai set up "Foreign Trade Quality Goods" sections, attracting a large number of consumers eager to snag deals. At the First Food Store on Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, the newly renovated "Silead" counter displayed nearly 30 types of export-to-domestic sales products, including high borosilicate glass Dundun cups, stainless steel French presses, and Red Dot Design Award-winning thermos cups. These products were originally intended for the European and American markets and are now being sold at significant discounts. For example, a French press originally priced at 1,800 RMB is now available for just 219 RMB, an 80% discount.
Cao Shuang, the marketing director of Silead, stated that the company has long been an OEM for European and American brands, with product standards and craftsmanship meeting international first-class levels. Due to recent export obstacles, the company decided to redirect some inventory to the domestic market, making packaging and design adjustments for local consumers, such as adding a stylish strap to the thermos cup to increase acceptance in the local market.
Supermarkets and Trade Fairs Become New Battlegrounds for Foreign Trade Goods
In addition to mall counters, chain supermarkets have also joined the "export-to-domestic sales" trend. Yonghui Supermarket launched several canned tuna products in its "Foreign Trade Quality Goods" section, including extra virgin olive oil flavor, with exquisite packaging and simple ingredients, attracting many consumers. Mr. Li, a local resident, said he has always wanted to make tuna sandwiches but found it hard to judge the quality of online products, and the supermarket's on-site display gave him more confidence to buy.
Meanwhile, the export product trade fair that opened at Shanghai Global Harbor before May Day also attracted large crowds. At the fair, a foreign trade company showcased several styles of hemp shoes. Staff revealed that these shoes were originally OEM for the American brand Soludos, with original prices of several hundred dollars, but are now sold for just one or two hundred RMB, mainly to clear inventory. Such trade fairs not only provide consumers with high-value options but also open new sales channels for foreign trade companies.
Pricing Strategy and Product Sources
The "export-to-domestic" products mainly come from factories in foreign trade hubs like Zhejiang and Guangdong, originally OEM for European and American brands. In response to the U.S. imposing tariffs of up to 120% on Chinese goods starting May 2, exports have been hindered, prompting companies to seek domestic market opportunities. According to reports, some products like thermos bottles, French presses, and hemp shoes, which originally sold for hundreds of dollars overseas, are now priced at only 20% to 30% of their original price for domestic sales.
The pricing strategy for these products focuses on "inventory clearance," with companies generally adopting low-price promotions to attract consumers. For example, Soludos OEM shoes are sold at trade fairs for one or two hundred RMB, far below their pricing in the European and American markets. This strategy not only helps quickly recoup funds but also enhances brand awareness domestically.
Enthusiastic Consumer Response
Consumers have responded enthusiastically to this wave of "Foreign Trade Quality Goods" products. Many people have noted that these products are not only affordable but also of much higher quality than typical domestic products, offering great value for money. Some products, like thermos cups and hemp shoes, have even sparked a buying frenzy, with long queues at some trade fair sites.
Additionally, consumers have given positive feedback on the design and packaging of the products. Thermos cups from Silead have become a topic of interest because they were once used on the "Xuelong" research vessel, attracting many consumers. Yonghui Supermarket's canned tuna, with its simple ingredients and high-quality olive oil, has been favored by housewives and young people alike.
Policies and Platforms Support Domestic Sales Transition
The "export-to-domestic" trend has also been supported by policies and platforms. According to the Ministry of Commerce of China, as of May 2, 10 key regions nationwide, including Shanghai, have held events like the "China Foreign Trade Quality Goods Tour," attracting over 2,400 foreign trade companies and 6,500 buyers, with intended procurement amounts reaching 16,760,000,000 RMB.
At the same time, the Ministry of Commerce has guided large e-commerce platforms and retail companies to assist foreign trade companies in developing domestic sales channels. Platforms like JD.com, Alibaba, and Pinduoduo, among 15 e-commerce platforms, have launched special sections or activities to help foreign trade companies transition to domestic sales, providing traffic, subsidies, and logistics support.
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