Tmall Sales Trends, page-49

...According to Zakkour, although extra importation charges may seem to be an attempt to hobble the burgeoning industry and encourage Chinese consumers to shop at home (as some commentators have claimed) the change is simply an attempt to close loopholes for C2C dai gou agents and legitimise the industry for B2C players.

“The changes will have a minimal net impact on cross -border sales,” Zakkour said. “Many product categories, such as cosmetics and body care, will benefit, others will see an increase in taxes, such as certain food and beverage products, but overall it is not going to dampen growth.”

“The desire for foreign products in China is continuing to grow. Chinese consumers are willing to pay a premium for foreign products for reasons of trust, authenticity and safety.”

“What will amount to something like an 11 per cent tax on these products will not dampen this desire, especially as these products will still be more affordable than buying in brick-and-mortar stores in China.”

Casey Hall is a freelance journalist who has worked in Shanghai for more than six years including stints as Managing Editor for Talk Magazines and as a contributor to a variety of international publications, including The Wall Street Journal Asia, International New York Times, CNN International and Forbes.

https://bluenotes.anz.com/posts/2016/05/the-boom-within-a-boom-chinese-cross-border-e-commerce/