Showing posts with label Ashley Dudarenok. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ashley Dudarenok. Show all posts

Thursday, January 22, 2026

How a fast-changing society affects the ambitions of the young in China – Ashley Dudarenok

 

Ashley Dudarenok

China’s society is changing fast, and youngsters are adjusting their attitudes on how to organize their lives. Marketing expert Ashley Dudarenok looks at those changes for Time. Individualism and self-love are some of the new features.  “When traditional markers of success like marriage and homeownership become structurally inaccessible for many, young people are forced to redefine what a ‘good life’ means,” Dudarenok says.

Time:

The mentality is just one example of how young people in China are reacting and adapting to a fast-changing and often atomizing urban society. Ashley Dudarenok, who runs a China- and Hong Kong-based consumer research consultancy, tells TIME that these trends among China’s Gen Z are a “rational response” to a hyper-competitive job market, stagnant wages, and rising costs of living.

“When traditional markers of success like marriage and homeownership become structurally inaccessible for many, young people are forced to redefine what a ‘good life’ means,” Dudarenok says. “If they cannot afford a house, they can at least afford to treat themselves to a nice meal or a Pop Mart toy that brings them joy.”…

“Rapid urbanization and the rise of the digital economy have created a new social landscape,” says Dudarenok. The Chinese government has taken steps to regulate AI companions amid global concern over AI-fueled psychotic delusions and self-harm. The move, Dudarenok adds, is “recognition that these new forms of companionship and social interaction are becoming a permanent feature of Chinese society.”…

The individualism taking form among Chinese youth is different from the “rugged, self-reliant individualism often associated with the West,” Dudarenok says. “Chinese youth are not necessarily breaking from their families or culture,” but “they are carving out more space for personal expression and emotional needs within those structures.”

More in Time.

Ashley Dudarenok is a speaker at the China Speakers Bureau. Do you need her at your meeting or conference? Do get in touch or fill in our speakers’ request form.

Are you looking for more marketing experts at the China Speakers Bureau? Do check out this list.

Monday, January 19, 2026

Can Heytea survive China’s tea wars? – Ashley Dudarenok/Arnold Ma

 

Ashley Dudarenok

Heytea started in 2012 as a premium tea brand, but it has since become entangled in the China tea wars, following a trend to go cheap. Consumer experts Ashley Dudarenok and Arnold Ma are two of a range of experts figuring out whether Heytea can survive in Campaign Asia. will international growth offset China’s quality challenges?

Campaign Asia:

Heytea helped define China’s modern tea boom. Launched from an alleyway stall in 2012, the brand popularised cheese tea and built a reputation for design-led, real-ingredient drinks that reset expectations in a crowded category. By 2025, it had grown to more than 4,000 stores across eight countries.   Once positioned as a premium tea brand, Heytea turned to franchising and price cuts to chase mass-market growth, only to face quality control issues and oversaturation complaints from netizens about inconsistent stores clustered too closely together.   Last year’s pivot saw Heytea issue two internal letters rejecting the ‘numbers game’ and ‘involution’ (内卷), competition for competition’s sake, urging a return to user focus and brand differentiation. Despite this, the brand launched Heytea Mini, a lower-priced sub-brand, while accelerating global expansion with 100+ stores across Asia, Europe, and North America, tailoring drinks for local palates.   Campaign Asia-Pacific asked four experts whether Heytea can balance accessibility and premium positioning amid domestic pressures and price wars. And will international growth offset China’s quality challenges?

Ashley Dudarenok, founder & managing director Chozan: Heytea fell into the classic premium trap, building a killer ‘Starbucks of tea’ image, then slashing prices to battle low-cost rivals like Mixue amid economic squeeze, diluting their credential.    Their anti-involution U-turn is the real story, publicly halting price wars and reinvesting in high-concept stores, genuine innovation like health-focused teas, and savvy cultural collabs to reclaim premium status.   Global expansion isn’t a quick China fix but a smart halo play. Flagships in New York or Tokyo boost domestic prestige, reinforcing aspirational appeal back home without relying on short-term revenue offsets.   Success hinges on three disciplined moves: elevating in-store experiences as destinations again, driving truly differentiated products, and building cultural capital that outshines gimmicks.

Arnold Ma, CEO/founder Qumin: The topic of ‘Heytea bids farewell to 30 yuan’ even became a trending topic, firing the first shot in the price war of the new tea beverage industry.   The entire industry followed suit, with Nayuki, Chabaidao, and Hushang Ayi all offering increasingly lower prices.   Heytea’s current reset suggests the brand recognises a hard truth: premium perception in China is fragile, but not permanently lost. Chinese consumers are pragmatic rather than sentimental. They will forgive strategic mistakes if quality, consistency, and intent are visibly corrected.   Heytea’s earlier price cuts eroded its craft cred, store consistency and user focus, and its current anti-involution stance is damage control. To rebuild domestically and globally, it needs tighter store planning for better economics, reposition “accessible” as smart value through proven craftsmanship, and lead culturally via aesthetics and storytelling rather than gimmicks. Global expansion offers breathing room with less saturation, but won’t quickly offset China losses amid mid-tier rivals, spending fatigue and execution risks.

More experts at Campaign Asia.

Ashley Dudarenok and Arnold Ma are both speakers at the China Speakers Bureau. Do you need one of them at your meeting or conference? Do get in touch or fill in our speakers’ request form.

Are you looking for more consumer experts at the China Speakers Bureau? Do check out this list.

Tuesday, December 16, 2025

How to deal with the Greater Bay Area – Ashley Dudarenok

 

Ashley Dudarenok

Hong Kong is economically fast integrating with the rest of the Greater Bay Area (GBA). Hong Kong-based strategy expert Ashley Dudarenok looks at the challenges and opportunities at the GBA in an overview at the Macao News.

Ashley Dudarenok:

Whenever I look at GBA reports, it’s all economic statistics, the number of people, the number of output and all that. But we need to move to tell more compelling human stories instead of just manufacturing powerhouses and potential for integration within the region.

We need to talk about creativity. We need to be talking about lifestyle and real entrepreneurs. We could collectively host some very high profile international events. We could leverage more digital platforms to create engaging content, sharing day-to-day kinds of stuff.

Fostering cultural exchange – we definitely need to do that. Maybe create some GBA sports games, entrepreneurship fund or innovation centre that actually brings global community in those sectors to us. There’s just so much to do on both the marketing side, as well as policy and support side.

Why should someone do business in the GBA? 

First of all, it’s a massive consumer market. There is a world-class innovation ecosystem. There’s also a bit of access to global capital, especially for mainland Chinese companies.

Looking at where we are numbers-wise, it is very impressive. Our population is around 86 million people and when it comes to innovation hubs, we are at 75,000 high-tech enterprises.

Of course, global giants like Tencent and Huawei, they’re also based here.

But it’s also a financial gateway. For someone from mainland China, access to going global and global markets through the Hong Kong financial hub is important. Also our access to Pearl River Delta manufacturing facilities and the whole Guangzhou supply chain is also extremely powerful.

I think we have a lot of policy support and government involvement on all sides. The authorities are all very willing  to support. They want it to be the launch pad for the future.

More at the Macao News.

Ashley Dudarenok is a speaker at the China Speakers Bureau. Do you need her at your meeting or conference? Do get in touch or fill in our speakers’ request form.

Are you looking for more strategy experts at the China Speakers Bureau? Do check out this list.


Monday, December 01, 2025

Why Zootopia wins in China where the rest of Hollywood falters – Ashley Dudarenok

 

Ashley Dudarenok

Most traditional Hollywood film releases fail in China, but Zootopia shows exceptional success. Branding expert Ashley Dudarenok explains in the Jing Daily why this Disney release has been an unprecedented success.

Ashley Dudarenok:

Disney’s localization strategy for Zootopia reveals a sophistication most Western brands lack. The decision to title the film “Crazy Animal City” rather than directly translating “Zootopia” reflects a deep understanding of Chinese linguistic preferences. The name emphasizes urban dynamism and energy, appealing to a population that has experienced the world’s fastest urbanization in a single generation.

Voice casting reveals similar thinking. Disney brought back Ji Guanlin and Chang Chen as Judy and Nick, signaling that continuity and emotional connection matter more than technical perfection.

The most revealing move was physical: Shanghai Disneyland’s Zootopia, opened in 2023, remains the only Zootopia-themed area in any Disney park in the world. Not California. Not Florida. Shanghai. The theme park transforms a film franchise into a lived experience, creating a lasting cultural anchor point.

Release timing demonstrates a similar strategy. Coinciding with Shanghai Disney’s ninth anniversary and its milestone of 100 million cumulative visitors, the film creates synergy between theatrical and experiential entertainment. More than 60 brand collaborations have rolled out, from a China Eastern Airlines Zootopia-themed plane to Luckin Coffee’s limited-edition drinks.

Most striking is Disney’s collaboration with Shanghai Animation Film Studio, the legendary state-owned studio behind Havoc in Heaven. Together, they created four promotional shorts in classic Chinese animation styles: ink wash, stop-motion, paper-cut, and traditional 2D. This is cultural dialogue, blending global IP with artistic heritage.

More in the Jing Daily.
Ashley Dudarenok is a speaker at the China Speakers Bureau. Do you need him at your meeting or conference? Do get in touch or fill in our speakers’ request form.

Are you looking for more branding experts at the China Speakers Bureau? Do check out this list.

Tuesday, November 18, 2025

The silver swans: an overlooked luxury consumer – Ashley Dudarenok

 

Ashley Dudarenok

The youngsters are China’s most studied group of consumers, but branding expert Ashley Dudarenok warns brands should not overlook the country’s silver swans as major consumers, she explains in the Jing Daily. “Ignoring them is not just a missed opportunity; it’s a strategic blunder,” she writes.

Ashley Dudarenok:

In the relentless pursuit of Gen Z and millennials, the marketing world has turned a blind eye to one of the most lucrative consumer cohorts in China: the affluent retiree. Dismissed by many brands as a legacy segment, these individuals — predominantly women aged 60 and over — are, in fact, a powerful economic force.

They are the “Silver Swans”: digitally savvy, brand loyal, and endowed with high disposable income and the freedom to spend it on themselves. While the industry chases youth, this mature audience represents a vast blue ocean of opportunity for luxury brands bold enough to reimagine their narratives around elegance, experience, and well-being.

This generation, which witnessed China’s economic miracle firsthand, is now enjoying its fruits. Their consumption is not for social clout but for self-fulfillment, making them a uniquely stable and valuable customer base. Ignoring them is not just a missed opportunity; it’s a strategic blunder.

More in the Jing Daily.

Ashley Dudarenok is a speaker at the China Speakers Bureau. Do you need her at your meeting or conference? Do get in touch or fill in our speakers’ request form.

Are you looking for more experts on China’s luxury consumers? Do check out this list.

Monday, November 10, 2025

How youngsters avoid China’s rat race – Ashley Dudarenok

 

Ashley Dudarenok

A silent exodus is taking place, as China’s youngsters migrate from the big cities to cheaper and more relaxed places in the country, like Dali in Yunnan, Chengdu in Sichuan, and Xiamen in Fujian, notes branding expert Ashley Dudarenok in the Jing Daily. What does this mean for the larger brands, she explains.

Ashley Dudarenok:

This digital nomadism has a distinctly Chinese flavor. It’s less about roaming the world and more about finding a stable, better base within the country. It represents a mature, pragmatic approach to leveraging technology for lifestyle design, a concept that was unthinkable a decade ago.

This silent exodus is not just a social trend; it’s a seismic shift in consumer dynamics that demands a new strategy from brands.

  1. Local experiences and pop-ups: Instead of only focusing on flagship stores in Beijing or Shanghai, brands can open curated pop-ups, boutique shops, or co-branded experiences in cities like Chengdu, Xiamen, or Dali. These spaces could serve coffee, offer co-working or creative areas, or host events that resonate with the local lifestyle.
  2. Lifestyle-oriented products: Products that enhance quality of life, such as premium coffee, artisanal foods, home décor, wellness items, or portable tech for remote work, will appeal to consumers seeking comfort and convenience in smaller cities.
  3. Value-based marketing: Messaging should highlight sustainability, craftsmanship, and authenticity rather than just luxury or prestige. Consumers in these cities respond more to narratives that reflect who they are and how they live, rather than what they own.
  4. Integrated living-work solutions: Spaces that combine living, working, and social interaction — think converted apartments or hybrid café-co-working models — could capture this audience, who often rent and adapt homes for both work and life.

The evolution of “Lying Flat” from a protest to a proactive lifestyle choice is one of the most significant social trends in modern China. It signals a generational break from the singular, state-promoted definition of success.

China’s youth are not lazy; they are exhausted by an outdated model. They are using their education, digital tools, and economic privilege to architect lives of meaning on their own terms. Their silent exodus is creating new cultural hubs, empowering a new generation of artisans, and fundamentally altering the consumer map.

For brands, the message is clear: the future of Chinese consumption is not just about what is being bought, but about where and why it’s being bought. Understanding this search for a better life is the key to unlocking the next chapter of growth.

More at the Jing Daily.

Ashley Dudarenok is a speaker at the China Speakers Bureau. Do you need her at your meeting or conference? Do get in touch or fill in our speakers’ request form.

Are you looking for more experts on cultural change at the China Speakers Bureau? Do check out this list.

Monday, October 27, 2025

China’s wealthy move away from displaying big brands – Ashley Dudarenok

 

Ashley Dudarenok

China’s wealthy individuals are shifting away from displaying big brands to showcase their wealth, notes luxury expert Ashley Dudarenok at Jing Daily. “Their new currency is not cash, but time; their new status symbols are not displayed on a shelf, but experienced in the mind and body,” writes Dudarenok.

Ashley Dudarenok:

For decades, the global luxury narrative around China has been written in tangible, logo-heavy script: the Birkin bag, the Rolex watch, the Ferrari. These were the undeniable status symbols of a new economic powerhouse. But a profound and lucrative shift is underway.

China’s most discerning elite are moving beyond the material. Their new currency is not cash, but time; their new status symbols are not displayed on a shelf, but experienced in the mind and body. Welcome to the era of “invisible luxury,” where the most extravagant purchases leave no physical trace.This pivot from the tangible to the intangible — encompassing hyper-personalized wellness, exclusive education consulting, and spiritual enlightenment — signals a more mature market in search of something far more profound than social validation: longevity, advantage, and meaning.

The quest for health has evolved from general wellness to a high-tech, data-driven pursuit of longevity, or even “bio-enhancement.” This is no longer about a generic vitamin IV drip; it’s about comprehensive, member-only protocols.

More in the Jing Daily.

Ashley Dudarenok is a speaker at the China Speakers Bureau. Do you need her at your meeting or conference? Do get in touch or fill in our speakers’ request form.

Are you looking for more luxury experts at the China Speakers Bureau? Do check out this list.

Monday, October 20, 2025

China’s influencer’s economy – Ashley Dudarenok

 

Ashley Dudarenok

China’s influencer economy in 2025 is bigger, faster, and more competitive than ever, writes marketing expert Ashley Dudarenok in an overview of this booming industry in Chozan. “In 2024 alone, MCNs — multi-channel networks — were behind many of the country’s record-breaking livestream sales and viral content trends,” she adds.

Ashley Dudarenok:

China’s influencer economy is bigger, faster, and more competitive than ever. In 2024 alone, MCNs — multi-channel networks — were behind many of the country’s record-breaking livestream sales and viral content trends. They’re the engines connecting brands with top creators, building campaigns across Douyin, Kuaishou, Bilibili, and RedNote, and turning social buzz into measurable sales.

From e-commerce giants managing thousands of livestream hosts to boutique agencies producing high-concept micro-dramas, MCNs are shaping the industry.

  • How products launch
  • How stories are told, and
  • How consumers make buying decisions in China’s digital-first market.

Understanding these networks isn’t optional for brands inside and outside China — it’s essential for making the right partnerships and entering the market with impact.

Thinking about working with a Chinese MCN?
Choosing the right partner depends on your category, audience, and campaign goals. Platform strengths, influencer network quality, and track record all matter.

The full article is available here.

Ashley Dudarenok is a speaker at the China Speakers Bureau. Do you need her at your meeting or conference? Do get in touch or fill in our speakers’ request form.

Are you looking for more stories by Ashley Dudarenok? Do check out this list.


Tuesday, October 14, 2025

Cultural self-confidence rises in China’s brands – Ashley Dudarenok

 

Ashley Dudarenok

Not only is China’s position in the world, in logistics and innovation, becoming more self-confident, but branding expert Ashley Dudarenok sees a similar move among Chinese brands, she explains in the Jing Daily.

Ashley Dudarenok:

For years, “guochao” (国潮), or China chic, has been the dominant lens through which the world viewed the rise of local brands. It described a phenomenon: cool, trendy, and often nostalgic Chinese products capturing the youth market. But “guochao” was merely the opening act. What the market is witnessing now is the main performance: the full-flowering of “zìxìn” (自信), “self-confidence,” as the core driver of a new Chinese consumer identity.

This is no longer about buying a Li-Ning sweatshirt because it’s stylishly patriotic; it’s about choosing a “national style” (国风) wedding gown because it feels more authentic, meaningful, and prestigious than a Western designer dress. “Zìxìn” is an internalized, cultural self-assurance fundamentally reshaping consumption patterns, from a statement of national pride to an expression of personal identity.

The most potent symbol of “zìxìn” is the shifting geography of aspiration. The once-coveted trip to Paris or New York is now rivaled, and often surpassed, by domestic journeys to China’s own historical and cultural epicenters.

More in the Jing Daily.

Ashley Dudarenok is a speaker at the China Speakers Bureau. Do you need her at your meeting or conference? Do get in touch or fill in our speakers’ request form.

Are you looking for more branding experts at the China Speakers Bureau? Do check out this list.

Monday, October 06, 2025

How international brands try to crack the code of China’s consumers – Ashley Dudarenok

 

Ashley Dudarenok

While many foreign brands have a hard time selling to China’s consumers, some are able to crack the code, says branding expert Ashley Dudarenok at CNBC. “Brands are moving beyond superficial nods to Chinese culture,” Dudarenok said.

CNBC:

Apple’s story also underscores how it’s possible to reignite local interest despite losing market share to domestic competition. Some customers in Beijing told CNBC that they liked the iPhone’s new cosmic orange color, and that more locals intended to buy their first iPhone this year since they’d heard about new attractive features such as larger internal storage.

China’s factories were quick to jump on the trend, releasing iPhone cases with a similar orange hue even before the 17 model was out.

“Winning brands are those that have established local R&D centers and on-the-ground product teams,” said Ashley Dudarenok, founder of ChoZan, a China marketing consultancy. “This allows them to spot trends early, develop products tailored to local needs, and launch them in months, not years. This is a significant departure from the past, where global products were often simply rolled out in the Chinese market.”

Even with the right data and social media platforms, cultural integration is becoming increasingly important, especially as Chinese brands find success in tapping the country’s own history of artisanal craftsmanship.

“Brands are moving beyond superficial nods to Chinese culture,” Dudarenok said. She pointed out that Loewe partnered with jade carving masters, while Burberry teamed up with bamboo-weaving artists.

And despite declining sales in China’s luxury marketLVMH this summer opened an eye-catching ship-shaped store in Shanghai — immediately generating much local buzz.

More at CNBC.

Ashley Dudarenok is a speaker at the China Speakers Bureau. Do you need her at your meeting or conference? Do get in touch or fill in our speakers’ request form.

Are you looking for more branding experts at the China Speakers Bureau? Do check out this list.

Monday, September 29, 2025

What is the Douyin app? – Ashley Dudarenok

 

Ashley Dudarenok

Marketing expert Ashley Dudarenok explains the difference between TikTok and its Chinese sister Douyin at her website Chozan. In 2025, Douyin was named China’s most valuable brand, with a valuation of US$105.8 billion. That marked a 26% increase from the previous year, driven by the platform’s deep integration into everyday digital life. In March 2025, Douyin reached 1 billion monthly active users in China. What exactly is Douyin?

Ashley Dudarenok:

Douyin is China’s most advanced mobile video platform, built by ByteDance to serve as a real-time content engine, recommendation system, and behavioral mirror.

It’s not just a social media app or a video feed. It’s a fully enclosed digital environment where the algorithm not only delivers content, but also orchestrates user attention, timing, and emotional rhythm within the scroll itself.

Below are the foundational elements that define how Douyin works at its core:

  • A video-first infrastructure, not social-first

Douyin was never built on the concept of friends, followers, or timelines. From day one, it prioritized algorithmic distribution over social connections. You’re not shown who you know—you’re shown what holds your attention.

  • An interest engine fueled by micro-interactions

Every interaction matters. Pausing for two seconds, skipping after three, replaying a scene—all of it feeds the algorithm. Douyin uses this data to fine-tune every next video, second by second.

  • Content designed to be experienced in vertical isolation

Douyin videos are full-screen by default. This isn’t an aesthetic choice. It ensures undivided attention and allows for edge-to-edge optimization of both content and call-to-action dynamics. Users see nothing but the story.

  • A synthetic culture layer powered by remix

Douyin thrives on replication. Its tools—like short sound loops, filters, or caption formats—are designed to turn any video into a template for others. Culture is not just consumed here. It is mechanically encouraged to reproduce.

  • A platform that blurs time boundaries

Douyin’s scroll is not chronological. A post from five minutes ago can appear beside one from five days ago. What matters is not when something was posted, but how well it matches a current behavioral cluster.

  • A testbed for visual grammar

Many visual trends—such as flash-cut confessionals, POV camera flips, or hand-to-camera transitions—originate on Douyin before spreading to other platforms. It’s where China’s visual vocabulary is shaped and stress-tested for the first time.

  • A platform that rewrites the idea of ‘user’

On Douyin, users are not defined by who they follow or what they say. They are clusters of behavior, composed of habits, timings, reactions, and attention patterns. The platform doesn’t track identity. It tracks disposition.

Much more at Chozan.

Ashley Dudarenok is a speaker at the China Speakers Bureau. Do you need her at your meeting or conference? Do get in touch or fill in our speakers’ request form.

Are you looking for more innovation experts at the China Speakers Bureau? Do check out this list.

Key trends in Chinese B2B marketplaces – Ashley Dudarenok

 

Ashley Dudarenok

Marketing guru Ashley Dudarenok dives into China’s B2B marketplaces and their latest key trends, including the top-10 platforms trying to get hold of the global market, at her website Chozan. “Trust is becoming a brand asset. Alibaba’s Trade Assurance, DHgate’s escrow, and Yiwugo’s secure payments provide buyers with additional protection. Video reviews, verified supplier programs, and standardization efforts help reduce fraud while ensuring shipments clear customs smoothly,” she writes.

Ashley Dudarenok:

Cross-Border B2B Trade Growth

China’s export-led e-commerce boom is still accelerating. In 2024, cross-border e-commerce exports increased by 16.9% year-over-year, driving trade volume to 2.71 trillion yuan (approximately USD 373 billion).

This surge widened trade deficits in importing countries, fueling scrutiny of the de minimis loophole that exempts low-value shipments from tariffs. Yet demand remains strong, driven by low prices, a wide variety of products, and faster shipping times.

Innovation Across Chinese B2B Platforms

Chinese B2B platforms are evolving into tech-driven ecosystems rather than static directories. Recent upgrades include:

  • AI-driven sourcing: Alibaba, Made-in-China, and TradeChina.com now use AI to match buyers with verified suppliers, analyze intent, and forecast demand.
  • Social commerce models: Pinduoduo’s group-buying concept and Temu’s gamified shopping are adapted for bulk B2B orders, letting businesses unlock discounts through collective purchasing.
  • Payment securityEscrow and trade assurance programs, now standard, release funds only after confirmed delivery has been made. This reduces fraud and builds buyer confidence.
  • Virtual and hybrid trade shows: Global Sources and HKTDC host online exhibitions alongside physical fairs, enabling remote supplier meetings and contract negotiations.

AI, Data Analytics, and Digitalization

Artificial intelligence now extends beyond product recommendations. Platforms. TradeChina.com integrates price-tracking dashboards, while Yiwugo leverages video reviews to highlight trustworthy sellers.

Digital tools also streamline collaboration. In-app messaging, video calls, and document sharing reduce reliance on email, while digitally stored contracts and invoices simplify audits. These features make B2B trade more transparent and efficient.

Supply Chain and Logistics Transformation

Fast, predictable delivery has become a competitive edge. Platforms are investing heavily in localized logistics networks:

  • Temu builds warehouses in the US and Europe and recruits local sellers to ensure 3–7 day delivery.
  • Alibaba’s Cainiao offers end-to-end logistics with customs clearance and order consolidation.
  • DHgate simplifies small-order shipping and expands express options.
  • TradeChina.com integrates freight forwarding and customs brokerage, while Yiwugo focuses on bulk shipping solutions.

These investments reflect a clear shift: logistics is no longer just infrastructure, but a core differentiator in B2B competition.

Regulation and Trust

Stricter global regulations are reshaping digital trade. The EU Digital Services Act and the US moves to restrict duty-free imports are pushing platforms toward greater compliance. Many now enforce KYC checks, export-control screening, and real-time customs data integration.

Trust is becoming a brand asset. Alibaba’s Trade Assurance, DHgate’s escrow, and Yiwugo’s secure payments provide buyers with additional protection. Video reviews, verified supplier programs, and standardization efforts help reduce fraud while ensuring shipments clear customs smoothly.

Much more at her website Chozan.

Ashley Dudarenok is a speaker at the China Speakers’ Bureau. Do you need her at your meeting or conference? Do get in touch or fill in our speakers’ request form.

Are you looking for more marketing experts at the China Speakers Bureau? Do check out this list.