Understand with 4 charts: Why is 2025 the "watershed" for Chinese companies going global? | 36Kr's Annual Perspective ⑤

The "Perspectives" column specially planned the "36Kr Annual Perspectives" series at the end of the year, using data to analyze the trends of the entire year 2025 and presenting the unmissable highlights in this year's business world through pictures. This is the fifth installment of our content.

Author | Wang Hanyu

In 2025, Chinese companies going global crossed a clear boundary: from selling single products to a more systematic output of capabilities.

Compete in Speed

Amazon took more than thirty years to complete its global layout, while Chinese platforms such as Temu and AliExpress entered the top ranks in global traffic in just 2 - 3 years. The difference lies not only in subsidies but also in the overall compression ability of supply - chain density, organizational efficiency, and fulfillment systems.

Chart by 36Kr

Sell Emotions

The popularity of Labubu overseas means that Chinese products have begun to break through the "cost - effectiveness" narrative and enter the level of emotion, aesthetics, and identity expression. Going global is no longer just about answering "is it useful" but "is it worthy of being recognized".

Chart by 36Kr

Seize the Entrance

Chinese e - commerce platforms have moved from the back - end of the supply chain to the front stage of global consumer traffic, starting to influence users' attention distribution and shopping paths, rather than just the transaction results.

Chart by 36Kr

Change the Rules

When "Double 11" is promoted overseas and overseas warehouses and local fulfillment eliminate the "cross - border feeling", Chinese companies are no longer just adapting to the existing rhythm but participating in reshaping the global business schedule. The combination of these changes has made 2025 a watershed for Chinese companies going global.

Chart by 36Kr