As 2025 approaches its final months, a new wave of youth-driven consumption patterns is reshaping global markets and cultural connections. Students at Beijing's Central University of Finance and Economics recently shared insights with CGTN's The Power of Youth+, revealing how digital natives balance local preferences with global influences through platforms like TikTok Shop and AliExpress.
"My dorm room runs on Brazilian coffee pods and Chinese smart appliances," said finance major Li Wei, illustrating the blended consumption habits of his generation. This trend extends beyond individual purchases – Chinese electric vehicle brands now account for 38% of global EV sales this year, while Southeast Asian durian exports to the Chinese mainland hit record highs during the 2025 summer season.
E-commerce platforms have become unexpected bridges for cultural exchange, with live-streamed tea ceremonies from Fujian province attracting European viewers, while Korean skincare tutorials gain traction in Middle Eastern markets. Business analysts note these patterns create new opportunities for cross-border investment and sustainable trade practices.
As the holiday shopping season begins, industry watchers predict 2025 will mark a tipping point where Generation Z's purchasing power fully aligns with their values of cultural curiosity and ecological responsibility – transforming global retail landscapes from Mumbai to Melbourne.
