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Alibaba, JD.com sales surge during 618 festival, thanks to subsidy programme

South China Morning PostTuesday, June 3, 2025 at 12:00:11 PM
Alibaba, JD.com sales surge during 618 festival, thanks to subsidy programme
China’s biggest online shopping bonanza, the 618 festival, is off to a roaring start for Alibaba and JD.com, thanks in part to government subsidies. Early numbers from Alibaba’s Taobao and Tmall show sales of subsidized items like electronics and appliances skyrocketing by 283% compared to last year. Basically, discounts backed by the state are giving shoppers a reason to splurge.
Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about a shopping spree—it’s a sign that China’s efforts to boost consumer spending are working (at least for now). With the economy still shaky, these subsidy programs are like a shot of adrenaline for retail. If people keep opening their wallets, it could ease some pressure on growth. Plus, it shows how tightly linked big tech and government policy are in China’s playbook for recovery.
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