Illustration: Chen Xia/GT

New research reveals that China has emerged as the home to US e-commerce giant Amazon.com's four biggest merchant bases, the South China Morning Post reported on Wednesday. This trend underscores the growing influence of Chinese supply chains in the global e-commerce landscape, even amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. 

By capitalizing on their competitive advantages, Chinese online merchants are effectively positioning themselves to meet the diverse needs of consumers around the world.

Shenzhen, a technology and factory hub in South China's Guangdong Province, leads the pack with 102,588 sellers registered on Amazon, according to the report, citing US e-commerce service provider Smartscout. In second place is Guangzhou, capital of Guangdong Province, followed by the shoemaking hub of Putian in East China's Fujian Province and Dongguan, another Guangdong city.

The findings indicate that made-in-China is not only adapting to the development of the e-commerce sector but is also actively expanding into global markets, demonstrating an unstoppable momentum for growth.

In the fierce competition among global e-commerce giants like Amazon, Walmart and Alibaba, a significant shift is quietly occurring: the rivalry among these titans has gradually transformed into one primarily among Chinese companies due to the rapid expansion of the Chinese seller community. 

This transformation underscores the dominant role of Chinese manufacturing in the global market and highlights the strength and unique appeal of Chinese supply chains.

For a long time, Chinese manufacturing has been misunderstood by outsiders as merely relying on low prices and labor cost advantages. However, this perspective is undoubtedly one-sided and superficial. Chinese manufacturing has evolved far beyond simple processing and replication, placing a greater emphasis on innovation and market adaptability. On e-commerce platforms like Amazon, countless small products from China not only boast reasonable prices but also feature innovative designs and unique functions, capturing the attention of consumers worldwide. The innovative spirit and market adaptability demonstrated by these products are crucial to Chinese manufacturing standing out in the global market.

In particular, it is important to note that the innovative spirit in Chinese manufacturing extends beyond large enterprises and high-end products. Even among e-commerce platforms with smaller transaction levels, like Temu, Chinese merchants also showcase strong innovation capabilities. These affordable products, characterized by their high quality and unique designs, have gained popularity among consumers. They not only cater to diverse consumer needs but also contribute to the continued growth of Chinese manufacturing in the global market.

Despite the increase in labor costs in China, the competitiveness of Chinese manufacturing remains robust, driven by ongoing improvements in productivity. This resilience is bolstered by a well-developed transportation network and China's advanced logistics systems, which allow for swift responses to market demand and facilitate efficient production and rapid delivery.

Furthermore, the comprehensive and multi-tiered support system of Chinese manufacturing is also one of the keys to its success. From raw material supply to production processing, logistics distribution and after-sales service, Chinese manufacturing has developed a complete and efficient industrial chain. In the global market, the Chinese manufacturing sector leverages its well-established industrial chain and high production efficiency to deliver high-quality products and services at competitive prices.

It should also be noted that the development of Chinese manufacturing in the e-commerce sector still faces challenges. As global market competition intensifies, Chinese manufacturers need to bolster their innovation capabilities and enhance their brand influence. 

Furthermore, the uncertainty of the international regulatory environment poses challenges for Chinese manufacturing. Factors such as trade friction, shifting policies and geopolitical tensions can adversely affect the global market share of Chinese manufacturing. 

Despite these challenges, the robust supply chain infrastructure and innovative capabilities of Chinese manufacturers suggest that their potential for growth and influence in the global market remains unstoppable.