Chinese Vitamins : a USD 150 Billion Business

In Western countries, vitamins is a category of products that are difficult to define, but in China, 27 functions characterize

 Last year, the Chinese consumed more than 115 billion RMB of vitamins and dietary supplements, which is the result of the increase in disposable income and the increased awareness of the Chinese middle class of health problems. There are now more than 350 million middle class consumers in mainland China representing the largest food supplement market in the world.

The supplement industry has grown considerably in China in recent years and will continue to do so in the future. There are a number of explicit reasons why this is the case. One thing is certain: many companies have made big profits by conquering the Chinese market.

But dietary supplements are edible and consumed by humans, which means that somewhat strict regulations apply. It is important that you first understand the import regulations and the export process.

Sell Vitamins in China

In this article, I explain how you can start selling health supplements and vitamins in China.
Health supplement on the Chinese market The health supplement market has grown significantly in China in recent years. This is something you will see in other Asian countries, such as Vietnam. And there are several reasons for this:
As people get richer and the middle class grows, they begin to enjoy fitness, personal care, equipment purchases and the exciting products that come with it. China has problems with food quality and air pollution, which is causing people to spend a little more money on health supplements. Quoting a Chinese friend with whom I traveled to China, he suddenly said, "You know, our air is so bad we have to drink a lot of green tea to make up for it." A larger online presence and greater appreciation of Western lifestyle and products are also key drivers of growth in the health supplement market. Ordering a box of vitamins in Australia is so much easier today than it was ten years ago China has a problem with the aging of its population, which is driving demand for health supplements Nutritional awareness source Daxue
It is not surprising that demand for vitamins is increasing, especially from abroad, as people get richer and more aware of their nutritional value.
While whey protein is commonly used in formulas, fitness products and bakeries, vitamins are also used by many middle-aged and elderly people.
Some of the most popular products are calcium supplements, vitamin C, and vitamin E, but there is also a strong demand for other products, such as fish oil, vitamin C, and detoxification products.
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China's new food law and registration with the CFDA It should be noted that the sale of natural foods, such as vitamins, is not the easiest task to accomplish. China has passed the Food Security Law of the People's Republic of China (2015 version), which states that you must register and deposit your products with the CFDA (China Food and Drug Administration).

Source 

Chinese Agent or go by yourself 

You need a Chinese agent to help you with the question. The process of registering your trademark and managing licenses can take years. A simpler option is to sell via cross-border e-commerce, which removes a lot of obstacles and allows you to sell your products directly. Blackmores, a success story One company that has managed to sell vitamins in the Chinese market is the Australian brand Blackmore's.

With annual sales of 700 million RMB (around 100 million USD) in 2017, they have managed to double their sales sixfold and double their profits in just one year. Blackmore's is living proof that e-commerce is the way forward in an increasingly digital world, especially in a country like China. What vitamins are needed in China? Vitamins E and C have grown strongly in China, mainly among women, because of the relationship between vitamins and beauty. We have seen the same trend in other products, such as collagen, which is very popular because of its healing and preservation functions. Can I sell health supplements and vitamins online? Online sales, especially via cross-border e-commerce, have increased significantly in China in recent years. Health supplements, such as whey protein and vitamins, are no exception. As mentioned, doing it in a traditional way can be expensive and take years to get permission to sell. The two most popular online platforms you should consult are:

• Tmall Global 
• JD Global 

Vitamin-based products are also popular in China. This market was $ 16.27 billion last year. More traditional Chinese ingredients are also becoming more popular. It is estimated that 4 billion people are under the control of herbal medicine in the world. Among the most traditional vitamins and dietary supplements are gelatin with donkey skin, ginseng and Cordyceps sinensis.
In recent years, international sales of vitamins and dietary supplements have increased by 12%, which is above the 10% average. As stated in the title, it's time for international brands to hit the market, but you do not rush. The VDS market in China will evolve rapidly, it requires a real analysis and a strategic choice that can be adapted and profitable. For example, rural producers become important players in the coming years, they establish a climate of trust through different brands. source

Vitamins Regulation in China

China has strict regulations for the registration and licensing of health products because you must obtain the CFDA Health Food Approval Certificate. Food products may be labeled as dietary foods if they apply to one of two categories: foods with specific health functions, which are products that can be consumed by specific groups of people for the purpose of regulating different functions human body, or nutritional supplements products that contain food ingredients used to supplement nutrients for the human body.

ECommerce in China

With e-commerce, you can sell immediately without a license if you get the approval of the appropriate cross-border platforms. Online computing platforms are being used more and more by tech-savvy consumers. Indeed, the majority of Chinese purchases are made online and the growth of mobile device sales is increasing every year. Given that e-commerce is likely to become one of the most popular outlets for the sale of vitamins and dietary supplements, an online sales infrastructure is essential. For example, you can establish your business on Tmall. It is the largest and most popular cross-border e-commerce platform in China because it is associated with quality and authenticity. As an open platform market, Tmall.com provides the infrastructure to host your storefront and unfiltered access to hundreds of millions of customers. Source SeoChinaagency

1. Social media: the ultimate weapon for communication
2. Abuse of KOL: works well in China
3. Build trust first, then announce like crazy

The vitamin and dietary supplement market is a niche segment and it can offer your business many opportunities due to social changes in China and consumer awareness of health.

Tariffs on $200 Billion Chinese Goods

The White House said it was considering additional tariffs of 10% on Chinese exports for $ 200 billion. This would be the third round of tariffs on Chinese products imposed by the Trump administration and comes shortly after a 25% tariff came into force against $ 34 billion of Chinese products. Although tariffs would not enter into force for at least two months, they would be much more aggressive in the range of products to which they would apply. This is what makes them different.
source Twitter

China's Consumer goods 

The tariff round that went into effect last Friday was mainly applied to the raw materials imported by US companies. Only about 1% of the items on the list were consumer goods. This round points to a greater amount of consumer goods, as varied as fish, luggage, tires, dog leashes, baseball gloves, furniture, clothing, mattresses and some electronic items. The Trump administration has tried to limit the impact of commercial war on consumers and any negative reaction it may cause, but the scale of these tariffs makes it almost impossible to protect them.


 

China Business surplus with US hits record high in 2018

The monthly trade surplus of China with the United States reached a value of almost $ 29 billion (£ 22 billion) in June and was exported to the United States remained strong. The figures come a week after the trade war began between the two, with the United States imposing tariffs on $ 34 million of Chinese products and China retaliating.

 This week, Trump threatened to impose 10% tariffs on another $ 200 billion of Chinese imports. 

Analysts expect the impact of tariffs on July figures. "We expect the July trade figures to be disappointing because the first round of US tariffs went into effect," said Amy Zhuang, a China analyst at Nordea Bank in Singapore.
source :
http://fortune.com/2018/07/11/trump-china-trade-war-200b/ 

 "Still, there is no hope for a fall because those tariffs alone were destined for a value of $ 34 billion, which is quite small compared to China's total trade," he said. In the first six months of the year, exports from China to the US UU Increase 13.6% over the previous year, while imports from the US UU They increased 11.8%. Its trade surplus with the United States during the same period was $ 133.76bn, compared to $ 117.51bn last year.

China Business surplus with US hits record high in 2018 

By Christian

7 key Trends in the Chinese clothing Business

China is quickly becoming the largest luxury and fashion market on earth. The number of people online in China continues to be more impressive every day. Brands want to conquer this growing market. How luxury brands and the fashion industry should do to determine themselves in the growing Chinese market and what exactly are China's fashion marketing strategies?

7 key Trends in the Chinese clothing Business

To market to Chinese consumers, here are 7 ways for brands to reach their goal and be popular in China. In a normal way, brands have advertised their image through magazines, websites and advertisements. These strategies are still relevant although in China they are not really adapted. Indeed, Chinese consumers are following trendy trends on multiple websites. That's why it's essential for brands to develop digital marketing strategies. 

China's garment Business 

1. Invest in cultural sites - Wechat, Weibo and New App Social media is the easiest way to advertise your products and services, but also to get feedback on your products and services from Chinese consumers. Social networks are a great place to set up a reliable customer base and also influence their decision. We can note the presence of several luxury brands on Chinese websites. One of the first to integrate these sites is Louis Vuitton, Louis Vuitton this year 2010 was first installed on Sina Weibo to market its brand. Sina Weibo is a favorite microblog in China that works like Twitter and Tumblr. In 2012, Louis Vuitton joined other famous Chinese WeChat systems and acquired more than 200 million enthusiasts. Having the official invoice will ensure brand awareness and consumers could be more positive.

2. ECommerce continues to grow in China 

E-commerce in China is booming, but it is true that many consumers of luxury goods still prefer to buy their luxury goods waiting for you and another party to buy on Taobao. Chinese consumers can do their first research on Baidu but will not buy it online. We should pay attention to the specific details to be able to influence a person to buy online. For example, customize the online shopping process for Chinese consumers by making the process efficient and fast. In addition, we must adapt to Chinese means of repayment such as Wechat Wallet or Alipay.

3. Quality content WeChat & Weibo 

Present quality content about your brand to increase the number of your customers. The customer can sometimes have doubts about a product and by giving additional information, customers could be more positive in the selection of its products. It is in this article that you can base your trust, develop your brand image but also the content shows your competence.

4. O2O in China QR code

Use Online Strategy to disconnect or on the contrary is to attract your visitors online or to get. It is about building events to involve your customer, you can ask them to find a new test product that awaits you for example by promoting on websites or on your recognized site. Much more you spread the word and you will have a huge audience.

Debating encourages critical thinking Business in China

Considering the motion: Debating encourages critical thinking in Top International School in China 

Very important Excercice to Do Business in China 

An in-depth look at the importance of debating, highlighting its impact on pupils in terms of improving their confidence, independence and their ability to think in a critical manner.[J1] 

Considering the unexplored

Primarily, debating is important for pupils because it gives them a chance to think critically about things that they wouldn’t necessarily get to discuss in lessons. Whatever is being debated, whether it’s the situation in North Korea or if school classes should be set according to ability, debating allows pupils to discuss and explore subjects at a very mature level and, equally importantly, they aren’t told whether they’re right or wrong. Frequently, pupils propose the motions themselves, which has led to some of our most interesting and closely-fought debates as pupils are able to dive into topics that truly excite or interest them.

Debating gives pupils the opportunity to follow their own ideas; to consider them, present them, express them and have them judged for their own value. Whether the debate focuses on current affairs, elements of their own educations, moral or philosophical questions, it’s a very open and engaging forum that encourages free-flowing critical thinking.

Considering the information

Debating is also about critical engagement, particularly engagement with information. Our pupils are living in an age of unprecedented access to information, which brings invaluable learning opportunities but plenty of pitfalls too. Debating is extremely helpful in teaching pupils to engage with sources of information critically: testing them to detect bias, spin and even outright falsehoods.

This process of critical engagement with information helps them create a reasonable, balanced view of the subject they’re exploring, while also strengthening the argument that they bring to the debate. If facts are not checked or a source seems wildly inaccurate or unbelievable, that’s a weakness in the argument for the opposing team to challenge and exploit. Ultimately, debating encourages pupils to look at a range of information sources covering the same subject matter and identify for themselves what they believe is trustworthy versus what isn’t.

Considering your point of view in China

When preparing for a debate, pupils are often forced to look at topics from a completely different perspective. By arguing a position contrary to their own beliefs, pupils are encouraged to carefully examine the reasons for holding such beliefs. Just as importantly, to present the best argument, they must engage with the perspectives of others and find the reasoning behind those perspectives.

By arguing from unfamiliar perspectives, pupils are encouraged, even forced, to deconstruct pre-formulated opinions about the topics we debate. in China This is important because critical thinking requires an open and unbiased mentality, capable of taking on new ideas and information and judging them for their inherent worth.

Considering the opposition

Debating is a formalised environment with set rules and, admittedly, pupils sometimes take a little bit of time to get used to the mechanics of it. Not speaking out of turn, not laughing or making dismissive actions when points and rebuttals are being delivered, listening respectfully and patiently waiting for your turn to respond, these are all essential elements of debating. They also reinforce values we try to instil at Wellington– primarily respect and integrity, of course it also takes great courage to argue your case to an audience of your peers and teachers.

Being respectful like Gentlemen in UK  and considerate of other views is both an important life skill and genuinely helpful approach to debating. A key skill that all the best debaters have – and one which is not intrinsically obvious – is the ability to listen. Debating is not just about coming up with the best argument, it’s also about engaging with your opponent, probing their argument before picking it apart. To achieve this, you must be able to listen so that you have a clear understanding of what their argument is. This means that pupils are taking a step back and seriously considering the value of the beliefs and constructed arguments of others, something which ultimately helps them develop a more understanding, empathetic sense of character.

Considering the future

As well as honing the different skills and encouraging the positive personality traits already discussed, debating is also an excellent testing ground for many of the tough challenges pupils are likely to face in later life. It is the best form of preparation for interviews: whether for jobs or higher education opportunities, there is no better way to learn how to think on your feet and respond intelligently and assertively to whatever is being thrown at you.

When preparing for a debate, pupils can (and should) try to anticipate what the questions and key points of discussion will be, but it’s very likely that something will catch them off guard, causing them to need to quickly form a viable response. It’s an incredibly valuable lesson for pupils to learn that preparing yourself is undoubtedly important, it will help in almost any situation you encounter, but it’s also a skill to be able to react to what’s put in front of you. If you can formulate intelligent, confident and considered responses to questions under pressure during a debate, you’ll be in a great position to tackle university and job in China interviews further down the line.

China is a Technology country (Example) 

Considering Wellington’s debating success

Debating has steadily grown at Wellington since its foundation, now encompassing dedicated upper Prep and Senior School CCAs, annual house debating events and a rising tally of national and international debating competition success storie in Shanghai. 

Any pupils reading this who think that they have the heart and mind of a skilled orator should look out for the next opportunity to join in with the debating CCAs or house competitions. Very quickly, you could be joining our top debaters in one of the many national and international events where Wellington has enjoyed significant success in China.

During the Michaelmas term, Eugene and Zhining reached the final of the Dulwich U13s Asian British Parliamentary Championships, while Shayna and Tyler, who are both U13 pupils, hit the main break, qualifying them for the knockout rounds against a field largely composed of sixth formers. This year Shayna also finished 8^th overall in the World Scholars Championship in Yale, an incredible achievement given that the initial global round in Vietnam had around 5000 entrants.

Darren Simpson and James Beadle
Wellington College debating leaders for upper Prep and Senior Schools

This article was originally published in Urban Family magazine.

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