Shanghai, China, July 15, 2024 - Federal Express Corporation, one of the world’s largest express transportation companies, recently released two cross-border e-commerce handbooks to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating internationally better engage with consumers in China and Japan.
China and Japan are the biggest markets in the Asia Pacific region[1] with robust cross-border e-commerce activity, providing extensive business opportunities for SMEs. However, foreign merchants need to understand the unique digital landscape, consumer appetites, and logistics needs of each market to build a sustainable business model.
FedEx is fully embedded in the e-commerce ecosystems of China and Japan and has used its experience to develop the handbooks which are available for download from the FedEx website. Each e-book includes:
· A geographic overview of the consumer landscape to help e-tailers geotarget their businesses in places where potential buyers are most plentiful.
· The most important e-commerce product categories so SMEs can quickly understand where their biggest competition lies, and which sectors are underserved.
· Profiles of local e-commerce marketplaces and platforms where merchants can potentially mine for the most clicks.
· Consumer habits and preferences for marketing strategies like livestreaming, short video, and social commerce.
· Popular shopping seasons like Chinese Valentine’s Day, Singles Day, and Couples Day in China, along with the Oshougatsu New Year Holidays and Golden Week in Japan.
· Payment and delivery options and preferences.
“Finding new customers in international markets is a smart approach for SMEs wanting to drive consumer and revenue growth. Digital channels lower the barriers for market entry, but the best business strategies are underpinned by smart, local market insights. That’s critical in sectors like e-commerce, which move incredibly quickly,” said Kawal Preet, president Asia Pacific, FedEx. “China and Japan are strategically important markets in the Asia Pacific region. We’ve built our local knowledge based on our decades-long operations, which is a critical component of the e-commerce experience. We’re also integrated in platforms and processes to provide a seamless experience for both merchants and consumers. That gives us a unique viewpoint on the latest local know-how to help e-tailers operate more effectively.”
“China’s cross-border e-commerce market continues its rapid growth. In 2023, its online retail sales reached US$2.13 trillion, ranking first among the world’s online retail markets for the 11th consecutive year[2]. China’s dynamic and competitive market landscape underscores the importance for merchants to choose optimal sales channels, reliable shipping partners, and efficient payment tools to successfully expand and scale their businesses, as outlined in our Cross-Border E-commerce Handbooks,” said Poh-Yian Koh, Senior Vice President of FedEx and President of FedEx China. “Since entering the Chinese market 40 years ago, FedEx has developed a profound understanding of this ever-changing and opportunity-rich market. Our robust network, logistics expertise, and diversified product portfolio enable us to meet the growing needs of cross-border e-commerce merchants and consumers. We are well positioned to serve as a trusted partner in facilitating business success in this pivotal marketplace.”
FedEx provides end-to-end e-commerce solutions that make order fulfillment easy and efficient for merchants while providing convenience and reliability for people receiving deliveries. The company recently made time-saving enhancements to its Ship Manager platform so e-tailers can create shipments and paperwork directly from their online orders. In October 2023, FedEx launched FedEx Ship ManagerTM Lite, a new mobile shipping solution in China, providing local customers with faster and more convenient paperless shipping services. It also introduced various online import and export declaration tools in China to streamline customs clearance processes and increase operational efficiency. Recipients can chat directly to FedEx about their deliveries on WeChat in China, and can even change the delivery location once the shipment is on its way through FedEx Delivery Manager International.
For more details, download the e-books here:
· Tapping into cross-border e-commerce in China and Japan
[1] E-commerce in the Asia-Pacific region - statistics & facts | Statista
[2] Role of digitalization in business grows (www.gov.cn)