China’s E-Commerce Discount Race to the Bottom Puts Incumbents Under Pressure

The e-commerce landscape is witnessing a surge in discount-driven platforms, with companies like PDD Holdings’ Temu and Bytedance-owned TikTok Shop shipping inexpensive goods from China. This trend is not limited to China but has extended globally, impacting the traditional dominance of higher-margin items. Low-cost platforms are expected to shape the upcoming holiday season and shopping festivals, challenging established e-commerce players and reflecting evolving consumer spending habits influenced by economic uncertainties and inflationary pressures.