Some Chinese products are cheaper abroad than in China itself, and the drink Moutai is an example.
The star product, the 375ml bottle of 53-degree Flying Moutai, sells at around RMB550 (US$83.66) at stores in Washington.
In China the same product is priced almost twice as much, at around RMB1,050. Other local brands, such as liquor giant Wuliangye and Chunghua tobacco, also saw sales surge on foreign markets as more Chinese were attracted by lower prices.
Services offered on China’s e-commerce websites also make it more convenient for native customers who cannot afford outbound trips.
On Taobao.com, China’s largest online retail site, traders purchased products from foreign countries and delivered them to customers across China. This has prompted more Chinese residents to buy overseas.
English.news.cn reports that in China, “Moutai liquor is associated with social status and, therefore, is much sought-after by customers. But in the United States, it is not regarded in this way, thus the demand is not high.”