Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:49pm on 28 Aug 2026,Friday Business
American brands that once relied on China as a dependable growth engine are losing ground as economic weakness, cautious consumers and sophisticated domestic rivals reshape the market. Nike’s China business has shrunk about 30% since 2021, while Starbucks faces growing competition from lower-priced, digital-first chains such as Luckin and Cotti. General Motors has also struggled as Chinese electric-vehicle makers expand rapidly. Yet foreign brands can still succeed: Lululemon, Ralph Lauren and KFC continue growing by adapting to local preferences. Analysts say localisation, faster innovation, competitive pricing and strong local distribution are increasingly crucial. China remains a major consumer market, but global brand prestige alone can no longer guarantee success. (PC: The Economic Times)
