Ningbo's cross-border e-commerce soars to new heights during shopping bonanza

Ningbo's cross-border e-commerce sector celebrated yet another victory as the highly anticipated "Double 11" shopping extravaganza concluded on Nov 11 at 12:00 pm.

According to data released by the Ningbo Cross-Border Comprehensive Service Platform, the total value of retail imported goods surged to 3.21 billion yuan ($440.27 million), marking a 7 percent increase compared to the previous year. For the seventh consecutive year, Ningbo topped China in terms of cross-border e-commerce retail imports during the "Double 11" festival.

Chen Kaiyan, an official at Ningbo Customs, provided insights into the evolving trends in the make-up of imported goods. This year, health products, cosmetics, maternal and child products, and non-alcoholic beverages emerged as the primary imported goods, collectively constituting 70 percent of the total declared value.

Health products led, generating sales of more than 1.4 billion yuan, overtaking cosmetics for the first time. Accounting for approximately 45.5 percent of the total declared value, the growing popularity of health products indicates a growing interest among consumers in staying healthy.

Cosmetics closely followed with sales reaching 725 million yuan, accounting for 23 percent of the total. The average value of cosmetics products increased by 23.6 percent compared to the previous year, reflecting rising demand.

Another noteworthy trend emerged with the surging popularity of the overseas market versions of Maotai liquor. Future expectations anticipate diversification in the categories of imported goods within Ningbo's cross-border e-commerce retail.

Additionally, the sources of Ningbo's cross-border e-commerce retail imports showed a broader spectrum during this period.

Statistics compiled by Ningbo Customs indicate that goods were sourced from 102 countries and regions worldwide. Imports from the United States, Japan, Australia, Germany, and South Korea saw the most significant growth, comprising approximately 58 percent of total sales.

Excitingly, countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative have increasingly penetrated the domestic market through cross-border e-commerce channels. Bulgarian rose essential oil cosmetics, Polish milk, and Romanian wine are among the imports that have gained significant recognition among domestic consumers.