Al Mayadeen English

  • Ar
  • Es
  • x
Al Mayadeen English

Slogan

  • News
    • Politics
    • Economy
    • Sports
    • Arts&Culture
    • Health
    • Miscellaneous
    • Technology
    • Environment
  • Articles
    • Opinion
    • Analysis
    • Blog
    • Features
  • Videos
    • NewsFeed
    • Video Features
    • Explainers
    • TV
    • Digital Series
  • Infographs
  • In Pictures
  • • LIVE
News
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • Sports
  • Arts&Culture
  • Health
  • Miscellaneous
  • Technology
  • Environment
Articles
  • Opinion
  • Analysis
  • Blog
  • Features
Videos
  • NewsFeed
  • Video Features
  • Explainers
  • TV
  • Digital Series
Infographs
In Pictures
  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Asia-Pacific
  • Europe
  • Latin America
  • MENA
  • Palestine
  • US & Canada
BREAKING
Israeli media: "Israel" won the battle but lost the war strategically and politically
Israeli media: Ben Gurion Airport's airspace closed to air traffic following missile launch from Yemen
Israeli media: Echoes of several explosions heard in central occupied territories
United States: A federal judge temporarily blocks President Donald Trump from deploying 200 Oregon National Guard troops to Portland
Syria: Local sources for Al-Mayadeen: An IOF patrol consisting of 4 vehicles entered the village of Suissa in the southern countryside of Quneitra
Trump on Truth Social: When Hamas confirms, the Ceasefire will be IMMEDIATELY effective
Trump on Truth Social: After negotiations, 'Israel' has agreed to the initial withdrawal line, which we have shown to, and shared with, Hamas
An al-Quds Brigades field commander to Al Mayadeen: We tell the enemy soldiers that we are not far from you, and you will see our faces whenever we decide to, because we are waging a harsh and complex battle of attrition
An al-Quds Brigades field commander to Al Mayadeen: The enemy is advancing toward the heart of Gaza City under the watchful eyes of our Resistance fighters with their tactics focused on valuable targets
An al-Quds Brigades field commander to Al Mayadeen: The enemy is advancing slowly and using unmanned vehicles to uncover and target combat nodes, which we are aware of

Chinese ecommerce giants pivot to domestic market amid US tariffs: FT

  • By Al Mayadeen English
  • Source: Financial Times
  • 20 Apr 2025 13:19
4 Min Read

Alibaba, JD.com, and Pinduoduo are launching major domestic initiatives to support exporters hit by US tariffs, as Chinese tech firms shift focus to stabilize the economy amid the escalating trade war.

Listen
  • x
  • A Chinese flag, center, waves over a banner for Alibaba on the New York Stock Exchange, on September 19, 2014 in New York.
    A Chinese flag, center, waves over a banner for Alibaba on the New York Stock Exchange, on September 19, 2014, in New York. (AP)

A Financial Times (FT) report on Saturday revealed that China’s leading e-commerce platforms, Alibaba, JD.com, and Pinduoduo, are rolling out multibillion-dollar domestic initiatives to support traditional exporters, as Beijing pushes to shield the economy from the growing impact of US tariffs.

The report detailed that the strategic pivot comes amid escalating trade tensions and a national campaign to reroute export-driven businesses toward the domestic market.

Alibaba leads efforts to shift exporters to domestic sales

Alibaba has formed a special task force to identify and source products from exporters across more than 10 Chinese provinces. Through its e-commerce platforms Taobao and Tmall, the company is offering increased commissions and enhanced visibility to attract at least 10,000 exporters and help market 100,000 items to Chinese consumers.

The report explained that Alibaba's supermarket chain, Freshippo, has also established "green channels" to fast-track the placement of export-grade products on store shelves, marking a strong commitment to supporting domestic consumption.

In response to new US trade measures, Pinduoduo has pledged to invest RMB 100 billion (approximately $13.7 billion) to help sellers refocus their business models, according to FT. 

“We are determined to shoulder the costs and risks and to navigate the uncertainties in the external market environment,” said Zhao Jiazhen, co-CEO of Pinduoduo. He emphasized that the company would prioritize the stable growth and profitability of small and medium-sized manufacturers.

Related News

Trump forcing ‘upfront’ South Korea investment despite economic risks

French farmers plan nationwide protest over trade, food sovereignty

The US decision to cancel duty exemptions on shipments under $800, coupled with a 125% tariff on many goods from China, has rendered exports for many sellers financially unsustainable.

JD.com and Tencent join push to support local manufacturers

Additionally, JD.com announced a RMB 200 billion (around $27 billion) fund aimed at procuring products from local exporters over the next year. The fund is part of the broader movement among China’s e-commerce platforms to counteract trade disruptions and protect domestic producers, according to FT. 

The FT report detailed that other tech giants have launched similar programs. ByteDance, which owns TikTok and Douyin, is joining efforts to promote domestic brands, while Baidu pledged to allow one million companies to advertise in its livestreams using AI-generated "virtual humans" for free, enhancing exposure for struggling exporters.

Ride-hailing firm DiDi announced a RMB 2 billion investment to “stabilize employment and boost consumption,” while also supporting domestic manufacturers in expanding their reach, both locally and globally.

Government encourages private sector alignment

China’s Ministry of Commerce recently held meetings with trade associations, distributors, and retail chains to explore domestic alternatives for exporters affected by the trade war. During a meeting attended by Vice Minister Sheng Qiuping, officials pledged to assist businesses in weathering what they called an “external shock.”

According to FT, the shift also reflects Beijing’s changing tone toward the tech industry. President Xi Jinping recently met with key entrepreneurs, including Alibaba’s Jack Ma, Tencent’s Pony Ma, and Meituan’s Wan Xing. The meeting was widely seen as a signal that the sector is regaining official favor after years of regulatory tightening.

Industry analysts suggest political considerations and public sentiment are motivating Chinese tech giants to step up. Li Chengdong, founder of the e-commerce consultancy Haitun, said companies are acting out of a sense of "anti-US unity" and public responsibility.

“Political sensitivity is high enough that no formal directives are needed,” said Li, "Consumers are also watching closely. These companies must balance commercial strategy with public perception.”

Recent trends also point to a rise in patriotic consumer behavior, according to FT, as well as state-directed support for Chinese stock markets through investment by state-owned funds and corporate share buybacks.

  • US tariffs
  • United States
  • AliBaba
  • trade war
  • China

Most Read

Hamas fighters stand in formation ahead of a ceremony to hand over Israeli captives to the Red Cross in Nuseirat, Gaza Strip, Feb. 22, 2025. (AP)

Hamas reviews Trump’s Gaza ceasefire plan as PIJ rejects

  • Palestine
  • 30 Sep 2025
Iraq at a crossroads: A new war front?

Iraq at a crossroads: A new war front?

  • West Asia
  • 30 Sep 2025
A Hamas fighter in combat fatigues stands before the ceremony for the handover of Israeli captives to the Red Cross in Nuseirat, central Gaza Strip, Saturday, February 22, 2025 (AP)

Hamas responds to Trump plan, backs Gaza withdrawal, exchange

  • Politics
  • 3 Oct 2025
Trump’s 21-point Gaza plan vs Netanyahu’s demand for Hamas defeat

Trump vows 'something special' in ME; Israeli delegation in chaos

  • US & Canada
  • 28 Sep 2025

Coverage

All
War on Gaza

Read Next

All
Activists deported to Turkey after 'Israel' hijacks Sumud Flotilla
West Asia

137 activists arrive in Turkey after 'Israel' hijacked Sumud Flotilla

Law enforcement hold back protesters near an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Broadview, Ill., Friday, Oct. 3, 2025 (AP)
Politics

Black Hawks and break-ins: Chicago immigration crackdown intensifies

WP: American Jews increasingly critical of 'Israel' over Gaza War
US & Canada

Majority of American Jews say 'Israel' committed war crimes in Gaza

David Ellison and his father, Larry Ellison, at the “Rebels With a Cause” gala in Hollywood, in 2014 (AP)
Politics

The Ellisons take US media power structure by storm, reshape industry

Al Mayadeen English

Al Mayadeen is an Arab Independent Media Satellite Channel.

All Rights Reserved

  • x
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Authors
Android
iOS