Emerging markets have begun to overtake traditional economies as the new drivers of global economic expansion, offering exceptional growth potential for Chinese exporters. Recent data from Made-in-China.com (MIC), a prominent platform bridging Chinese suppliers and global buyers, highlights significant increases in online engagement from Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America. In fact, the platform saw notable traffic growth of 58%, 38%, and 32%, respectively, from these regions last year, far surpassing figures from developed markets.
This dynamic shift in global trade patterns is particularly evident in the building materials sector, fuelled by a surge in infrastructure projects and favourable demographic trends in emerging economies. The building decoration materials industry experienced a robust 46% year-on-year traffic increase in 2024, securing its position among the fastest-growing segments on the MIC platform. Standout categories driving this impressive growth include geosynthetics, building steel and structural components, bridge construction materials, intelligent partition systems, and eco-friendly sauna installations.
Recognising these expanding opportunities, Chinese foreign trade enterprises are strategically positioning themselves within markets that promise sustained high growth and industries that are ripe with potential. According to Lin Hao, Director of International Affairs at MIC, embracing these emerging market opportunities is essential for Chinese businesses aiming to achieve meaningful growth and establish a competitive advantage amid evolving global trade dynamics.
Fidelity Emerging Markets Limited (LON:FEML) is an investment trust that aims to achieve long-term capital growth from an actively managed portfolio made up primarily of securities and financial instruments providing exposure to emerging markets companies, both listed and unlisted.