2025: The cross-border FMCG market remains hot, but the way business is done has changed. The era of relying on information gaps and single-product volume to move goods is fading. Buyers now prioritize stable supply, fresh dates, and reliable replenishment.
Shifts in demand
The product assortment for overseas Chinese supermarkets is becoming more granular. Where a store might once have stocked just a dozen bestsellers, it now differentiates based on neighborhood preferences, seasonal rhythms, and customer demographics. The number of SKUs in condiments, rice and noodles, dry goods, snacks, and beverages has increased, yet the minimum order quantity per store hasn't necessarily grown proportionally. This places higher demands on suppliers' capabilities for split-pallet shipments and consolidated container loading.
Three barriers on the supply chain side
- Sourcing: A wide range of brands and SKUs must be covered to fulfill orders completely in one go.
- Date Management: Cross-border shipping involves long lead times, requiring strict batch controls to prevent expired inventory from being released.
- Delivery rhythm: Shipping, customs clearance, and inland distribution are tightly linked; delays in any stage will ripple through to the shelf.
Where are the opportunities?
For domestic supply chain companies, the opportunity lies not in competing solely on price, but in making product selection, inventory planning, container consolidation, and delivery into replicable services. Offering inventory recommendations tailored to a customer's region and sales rhythm delivers more value than simply quoting a low price.
Challenges we must confront
Exchange rate fluctuations, changes in ocean freight rates, and varying food labeling requirements across countries remain ongoing challenges in cross-border supply. Confirming compliance requirements with customers upfront—before placing orders—is often more cost-effective than addressing issues afterward.
Jiangji Supply Chain currently serves 11 overseas countries. For details on product-specific supply arrangements, please contact 020-81798389.