The Big Call

Rise of the robots

With China now the world’s largest robot market, our latest survey of robotmakers and users in seven provinces highlights the reasons behind the recent surge in robot purchases, the future demand outlook and the likely impact on labour trends and the overall economy.

Consumer China

Beer – market share scramble squeezes profits

Aggressive acquisition strategies and rapid distribution and capacity expansion have helped to insulate leading beermakers in China from an industry-wide slowdown. However, intense competition continues to hold down prices and profit margins.

CR Snow – improved product mix slow to boost margins

While CR Snow remains market leader in China, posting solid revenue growth supported by improving average selling price, margins remain tight as intensifying competition forces the firm to invest in expansion and acquisitions.

Carlsberg – acquisition-led growth

Carlsberg is expanding its presence in China, building on growing popularity for its key international brand in first-tier cities with a series of acquisitions to develop revenue streams in lower-tier markets.

Yanjing – struggling to move upmarket

Despite continued strong sales in its core markets of Beijing, Inner Mongolia and Guangxi, Yanjing’s sluggish growth in the high-end market is weighing on its performance and popularity.

Tsingtao – market share grows at expense of margins

A volume-led growth strategy targeting the mass market has driven growth in popularity and sales, but a falling average selling price and higher marketing expenses have squeezed margins.

Capital Intensive China

Sales decline accelerates property market consolidation

Leading property developers recorded double-digit growth in home sales revenue despite a market-wide sales decline in 1H14, reflecting rapid consolidation occurring in China’s real estate sector

Best of Chinese Commentators

Supportive policies to boost electric car sales

Investors and analysts have been debating the impact of new measures aimed at boosting sales of electric vehicles.

Regulator announces new round of IPOs

Investors debate the significance of the latest round of A-share IPO approvals.

Report archive

17 July 2014

Macro View