China’s leading retail giants are stepping up to support exporters hit hard by U.S. tariffs, helping them pivot to the domestic market. In a swift response to government calls, companies like JD.com and FreshHippo have launched initiatives aimed at easing the transition for these foreign trade enterprises.
“We are committed to assisting exporters in navigating these challenging times,” said a spokesperson from JD.com. The e-commerce giant has pledged to purchase at least 200 billion yuan (around $27.3 billion) worth of export-to-domestic goods over the coming year, strengthening partnerships across the supply chain.
The Ministry of Commerce recently held meetings with trade associations and major retailers to explore strategies for supporting export-oriented enterprises facing weakened overseas demand due to U.S. tariffs. The goal is to accelerate the integration of foreign trade goods into domestic sales channels.
In a joint proposal, the China General Chamber of Commerce and six other national trade associations urged grocery chains, department stores, e-commerce platforms, and wholesale markets to establish “green channels” for exporters. These would include dedicated retail zones and promotional events to showcase export-quality goods.
FreshHippo, another retail leader, announced a streamlined onboarding process for exporters, featuring 24-hour fast-track support and a new section on its mobile app tailored to export-to-domestic products. “We aim to leverage our digital capabilities to co-create trendy, user-driven products,” a FreshHippo representative stated.
Offline retailers are also joining the effort. Yonghui Superstores Co. released an open letter committing to help exporters clear surplus inventory, offering to place eligible products on shelves within 15 days through an express approval process. CR Vanguard launched a similar fast-track program, promising customized shelf placements across its various retail formats, from high-end outlets to community stores. Lianhua Supermarket introduced additional incentives, including reduced entry fees and prioritized marketing resources for export-oriented goods.
The response has been overwhelmingly positive. Within days, Yonghui received over 200 partnership inquiries from supply chain firms, with more than 70 intent forms submitted and over 100 companies already engaged in procurement negotiations.
Beyond shelf support, retailers are collaborating with exporters to develop new products suited to the Chinese mainland’s evolving consumer market. Yonghui has pledged to offer product development support and marketing assistance, while FreshHippo is focusing on creating innovative products across its online and offline channels.
More retailers are signaling their willingness to support export enterprises. A source at Hongqi Chain, a Sichuan-based supermarket chain, said the company “welcomes foreign trade products” and is actively exploring ways to bring them into its sales network.
These initiatives reflect a united effort to bolster the domestic economy and provide a lifeline to exporters facing unprecedented challenges. For many young consumers, this means greater access to a variety of high-quality products that were once destined for overseas markets.
