“Made in China” used to be shorthand for mass production, low price, and rapid scaling, and it didn’t have that much quality or branding value. However, with Trump’s tariff and shifting global dynamics, that tide is currently reversing, however, particularly among the world’s youngest consumers.
As Gen Z increasingly takes center stage in global consumption, China’s making and branding tricks have had to change accordingly to meet them. Millennials aren’t excluded in this, as they are also attracted to high-quality, minimalist designs and also their high resale potential.
This is not a question of good marketing. It’s a change at various levels, from production to design to relevance. And yes, it’s evidence-based.
China has invested strategically to shift away from low-margin, high-volume production to higher-value products. Chinese manufacturers are becoming increasingly competitive in sectors like consumer electronics, beauty, and electric vehicles. These are all attractive to a younger, tech-savvy, design-oriented consumer, according to a 2021 McKinsey report.
Brand names like DJI (drones), Anker (tech gadgets), and Xiaomi (consumer goods) represent this phenomenon. They are produced in China but enjoy international reputations for quality, innovation, and value, a combination Gen Z prefers.
Furthermore, a PwC report confirms China’s position as a leader in industrial automation, enabling faster and more customized production, fundamental to trend-conscious industries like fashion and beauty.
Rise of C-Beauty and C-Style Brands
One of the most clear-cut signs of China’s shift in consumer popularity is the rise of its domestic beauty sector. C-beauty brands like Perfect Diary, Florasis, and Judydoll have quickly become popular both at home and overseas. With highly gorgeous product designs, impressive social media presences, and favorable prices, these brands have been favored by Gen Z on online platforms like TikTok and Xiaohongshu.
According to Euromonitor, C-beauty brands now dominate in China over global competitors and are extending into Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and parts of Europe.
What’s their secret? These brands mix cultural stories, stylish packaging, and influencer marketing while also taking advantage of China’s quick and flexible manufacturing. Instead of just saying “Made in China,” they focus on selling a unique experience to customers.
Stealth Branding Through OEM and ODM Relationships
Less visible but very powerful is the role of China in driving the creation of new emerging world brands behind the scenes. Chinese manufacturing, through OEM (original equipment manufacturing) and ODM (original design manufacturing), is producing high-quality white-label goods for new Western and Asian brands.
As The Economist described in 2023, more and more direct-to-consumer (DTC) brands purchase things directly from China and simply add local branding. This way, China becomes the behind-the-scenes driver of products specifically crafted for Gen Z. This includes lifestyle items, tech accessories, beauty devices, and even fashion boutique goods.
Product and packaging quality can no longer be distinguished from those of the world’s foremost premium players. Now, merely quicker to the marketplace and lower cost. It turns China into a producer for the Gen Z economy.
What Can Halal Brands Learn From This?
Global-oriented halal enterprises and Muslim entrepreneurs can gain concrete lessons herein:
Embrace consumer behavior, not religious conformity. Halal certification is essential, but so is an understanding of how young consumers shop, what they believe, and how they discover new products.
Invest in design, packaging, and also speed and efficiency. Consumers today are smart and know what’s best for them. They buy products that are functional, feel good, look good, and work with their lifestyle. Quality doesn’t always mean high cost, especially when manufacturing partners are chosen wisely.
Global branding does not have to mean Western branding. China did not imitate Western appearances. Instead, they focused on fast innovation, cultural storytelling, and platform-native marketing. Halal brands can similarly do the same by being true to their identity while offering world-class experiences.
Final Thoughts
China’s winning Gen Z’s heart is greater than a production story. It’s an evolution, a quiet observation, and long-term consideration. By amplifying quality, adopting design, and enabling lesser brands to build rapidly, China has quietly rebuilt itself as an aspirational destination, not a cost destination.
For halal companies looking to move abroad, the lesson is clear: export in company, not alone. Find connection. That is where the brand will be recognized globally.
