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Sunday, 18 October 2026

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Chinese E-Commerce Boom Delights Malaysian Shoppers but Squeezes Local Manufacturers

Chinese e-commerce platforms are winning Malaysian shoppers with factory-direct prices, while local manufacturers and retailers face mounting competitive and cost pressures.

By Bernard Lee4 min read

Kuala Lumpur, 18 October 2026 – Chinese e-commerce platform Pinduoduo is rapidly gaining Malaysian customers with factory-direct prices, adding fresh pressure on local retailers and manufacturers already struggling with rising costs. Malaysia recorded about 900 million parcel deliveries in 2025, compared with 52 million a decade earlier, underscoring how deeply online shopping has become embedded in consumer behaviour.

For Malaysian businesses and investors, the issue goes beyond competition between shopping apps. Direct imports of low-cost electronics, apparel, household goods, cosmetics and furniture risk shifting spending away from domestic producers, while the growth of cross-border parcels is also increasing pressure on logistics, waste management and regulatory enforcement.

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Author

  • Bernard is a social activist dedicated to championing community empowerment, equality, and social justice. With a strong voice on issues affecting grassroots communities, he brings insightful perspectives shaped by on-the-ground advocacy and public engagement. As a columnist for The Ledger Asia, Bernard writes thought-provoking pieces that challenge norms, highlight untold stories, and inspire conversations aimed at building a more inclusive and equitable society.