UK EXPORTS TO CHINA ON THE RISE | Joanna Zhou

Podcast Radio Business Interviews

Joanna Zhou, China Commercial Manager of Holland & Barrett speaks to Clayton M. Coke of Podcast Radio Business to discuss why UK EXPORTS TO CHINA ARE ON THE RISE

UK exports to China increased by 54% between 2019 and 2022, according to Alibaba data which shows across 27 European countries sales via its platforms soared by a third to about €32.3 billion (£27.57 billion), highlighting demand for the good but also highlighting the growing role of digital platforms in enabling cross-border opportunities for businesses around the globe.

Almost two fifths (38%) of the gross merchandise value of goods exported was led by beauty, perfumes, personal care and make-up products, ahead of textiles and apparel (31%), food and beverages (8%), and furniture and other manufactured goods (7%) and in addition to driving growth for individual businesses, exports have been a major contributor to economic growth across Europe with these exports to China through Alibaba’s platforms contributing about £59.75 billion to the GDP of the UK, Germany, France, Italy, and Spain, while enabling the creation of more than 205,965 jobs - in excess of £956 million in estimated tax revenue was collected through sales on Alibaba’s platforms in 2022, up from £606 million in 2019 with additionally, the estimated number of UK people employed by businesses selling on Alibaba’s platforms rising from 24,006 in 2019 to more than 33,357 in 2022.

Joanna Zhou has been responsible for the launch and operations of Holland & Barrett’s cross-border Ecommerce business in China since 2021. Her knowledge of China, expertise in digital marketing and understanding of Chinese consumers have steered the business to grow exponentially: delighting customers, exceeding the expectations of partners, and reaching substantial milestones.

Joanna is responsible for delivering Holland & Barrett’s trading strategy to thrive in the cross-border e-commerce environment, leveraging key e-commerce platforms including Tmall. She has repositioned Holland & Barrett as a leading UK health and wellness consumer brand to provide a proposition perfect for China’s growing demographic of health-conscious young consumers.