China's Retail Sales Could Top Value of Its Exports This Year

China has long been dubbed the "world's factory" for its phenomenal export prowess. But according to government statistics, retail sales in China's domestic sector this year are likely to surpass the total value of the country's exports.

The significance of that development cannot be ignored. While most shippers and supply chain practitioners continue to view China simply as a giant launching pad for finished goods destined for developed consumer markets, there is growing activity on the domestic and inbound logistics scene.

The sophistication of that activity doesn't yet match the carefully honed export-oriented supply chains existing in China, according to logistics experts. But with China's consumer class gaining strength year by year, it's likely only a matter of time before the country's domestic logistics environment is as strong as its export counterpart.

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