In this article, we discuss the 5 biggest e-commerce companies in China. If you want to read our detailed analysis of the e-commerce industry, go directly to the 15 Biggest E-Commerce Companies in China.
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5. Vipshop Holdings Ltd (NYSE: VIPS)
Revenue: US$15.61 billion, 2020
Founded in 2008, Vipshop Holdings (NYSE: VIPS) is China’s biggest e-commerce discount retailer and distributor. It is headquartered in Guangzhou, China. Vipshop (NYSE: VIPS) has over 28 million users and markets itself as an “online special sales mall” with flash sales and limited-time offers. In addition, it collaborates with domestic and overseas brand agents and manufacturers to bring budget-friendly goods to brand-conscious consumers.
4. Baidu Inc. (NASDAQ: BIDU)
Revenue: US$16.4 billion, 2020
Baidu, Inc. (NASDAQ: BIDU) is based in Beijing and was founded in 2001. Baidu (NASDAQ: BIDU) offers IT solutions, online marketing solutions and operates as an e-commerce platform. Baidu Wallet is an online payment service that allows users to make closed-loop transactions quickly and easily. Baidu Wallet is integrated across all Baidu platforms and other third-party products. Users can, for example, buy movie tickets or order food through Baidu Nuomi, or arrange daily commutes via Uber.
Baidu’s (NASDAQ: BIDU) iQiyi is a major player in the online video business. They have produced many highly successful web series and reality shows that regularly draw in millions of users.
3. Tencent Holdings Ltd (OTC: TCEHY)
Revenue: US$73.56 billion, 2020
Tencent Holdings (OTC: TCEHY) is an Internet service portal founded in 1998 that provides Internet, mobile services, and online advertising. It is based in Shenzhen and is the creator of leading Internet platforms in China such as QQ Instant Messenger, QQ.com, QQ Games, Qzone, QQ Music, QQ wallet, WeChat, and Tenpay.
Tencent’s (OTC: TCEHY) various products have resulted in them being home to China’s largest online community. Their products are so widespread and integrated across different platforms that it is impossible to live even a day in China without using them. As a result, Tencent (OTC: TCEHY) has spent heavily on advertising all its services, especially Tenpay. This has made them one of the biggest competitors in the e-commerce market.
2. JD.com Inc. (NASDAQ: JD)
Revenue: US$114.3 billion, 2020
Located in Beijing, JD.com (NASDAQ: JD) is China’s biggest eCommerce retailer by revenue. It launched in 1998 360buy.com before rebranding to JD (NASDAQ: JD) in 2013. It is a B2C online retailer. On JD Mall, you can find electronics products and home appliances, clothing, food, books, etc. In addition, JD mall allows local sellers to open their own “shops” on the website and import food, beverage products, clothing, and shoes.
1. Alibaba Group Holding Ltd (NYSE: BABA)
Revenue: US$109.480 billion, 2020
The largest e-commerce company on this list, Alibaba (NYSE: BABA), provides an online marketplace for domestic retail, wholesale trade, and international e-commerce. The three main online stores are Taobao, Tmall, and Alibaba.com (NYSE: BABA). Sellers on Taobao are mostly individuals and small businesses. Taobao is a C2C (consumer to consumer) platform.
Tmall is a leading B2C (business-to-consumer) retail platform that allows local and international sellers to reach consumers directly online. It became operational in 2008 as Taobao Mall. They sell various products from clothing, shoes, and cosmetics to packaged foods in mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan.
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