Crossing Borders, Changing Times - Amazon S3€¦ · border e-commerce trade on Shanghai’s Free...

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A new model for international e-commerce has strong implications for China’s bonded logistics property market Crossing Borders, Changing Times

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A new model for international e-commerce has strong implications for China’s bonded logistics property market

Crossing Borders, Changing Times

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ContentsIntroduction 04

Chapter I - The Rise of Cross-Border E-commerce in China 05

A Surging Market 06

Existing Models 07

The New Model 07

Governments Compete to Create a Platform 08

The Development of Cross-Border E-Commerce 10

Chapter II – Opportunity for Bonded Logistics Property 11

A Model Based Around Bonded Logistics 11

Where the Demand Will Go 12

How It Works 13

The Platform 14

Where They Spend 15

Space Becomes Scarce 16

New Faces: A Change in Tenants 17

Conclusion 18

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IntroductionSeveral Chinese cities have been designated as pilots for cross-border e-commerce since the end of 2012, including Shanghai, Zhengzhou, Ningbo, Hangzhou, Chongqing, and Guangzhou, with more to come. This relatively recent type of trade has already begun to create opportunities for the bonded logistics property market in Shanghai’s Free Trade Zone. As the cross-border e-commerce sector continues to grow in China, these pilot cities will serve as both models for policy and a preview of the impact on bonded logistics property across China. Colliers International Research has assessed the impact of the cross-border e-commerce trade on Shanghai’s Free Trade Zone, since the zone’s official designation in September 2013, to identify opportunities and challenges in this market.

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The Rise of Cross-Border E-commerce in China

Chapter I

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A Surging MarketCross-border e-commerce is gaining popularity in China, allowing consumers to easily and directly shop online from merchants around world, with big tax savings, improved logistics and assured consumer protection.

In China, this new model of e-commerce has seen significant growth and changes during the past few years, as China’s e-commerce market has rapidly developed (Figure 1). China now has the world’s strongest online consumer base, with the number of online shoppers reaching approximately 361 million in 2014, an annual increase of 19.7%, according to industry research firms (Figure 2). The average online spending per capita in China was approximately USD1,000 in 2013, compared to other countries where this figure is in excess of USD1,500 (Figure 3).

Figure 1: Growth of Online Retail Market Sales (B2C)

*Note: as of end-2014Source: eMarketer, Research, Colliers International, 2015

China South Korea Japan US UK

Figure 2: Number of Online Shoppers

Source: Payvision, Statista, CNNIC, Research, Colliers International, 2015

20132012 2014e* Growth from 2012 Growth from 2013

Figure 3: Average Online Spending

*Note: as of end-2014Source: Payvision, Statista, CNNIC, Research, Colliers International, 2015

That said, cross-border e-commerce in China is in the early stages. Total import-export sales for cross-border e-commerce in China have seen a CAGR of 34.8% from RMB900 billion in 2009 to RMB4.0 trillion in 2014 (Figure 4). However, postal data shows that only a small fraction of this amount can be attributed to online consumers. According to the National Postal Bureau, China’s total express delivery volume was approximately 14 billion parcels in 2014, but cross-border express delivery accounted for just 2.3% of the total. According to industry research firms, the value of imports was estimated to be just 13% of the total cross-border e-commerce trade, or approximately RMB53 billion. As consumers in China adopt new online shopping habits, this figure will undoubtedly grow. Roland Berger, a consulting firm, estimated in a 2014 report that transactions through bonded online shopping will account for half of all e-commerce imports in China in the near future.

Figure 4: Cross-Border E-commerce Sales in China

*Note: as of end-2014Source: iResearch, Research, Colliers International, 2015

2012 2013

USD per capita RMB trillion

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The New ModelThe formalisation of e-commerce import creates a third model, in which a customer places an order via a government-affiliated platform, or is taken to a company’s website via this platform, and then pays a fixed 10% import tax (in most cases), lower than typical import taxes. This model requires the retailer to set up a customer service channel in China, with service in Chinese, to handle returns and customer complaints. The policy behind this model allows companies to store goods tax-free in a bonded warehouse in the free trade zone of a pilot city, which then cuts the delivery time. The retailer does not pay tax until the product leaves the free trade zone. This model resolves the issues related to language barriers, after-sales service, potential seizure by Customs, shopping via a third-party, as in the dai gou system, and long delivery times. In return, it guarantees that Customs will collect a 10% import tax on products that might have otherwise been sent as personal parcels, and not paid tax at all.

Existing ModelsOrdering products from overseas websites is not a new idea in China. There are currently two existing ways for a consumer in China to buy products online from overseas retailers.

One existing model for ordering from abroad is “dai gou” (代购), or purchasing via a “representative shopper” – essentially an unofficial, small-scale importer. A second model is to purchase from websites directly. Both models avoid import taxes, as packages enter the country as personal items and often declare low values in order to avoid or reduce their tax liability. While these models may potentially save the consumer money on customs duties, they also raise issues related to language barriers (shopping on websites in foreign languages), a lack of buyer protection (most warranties for items sold abroad are not valid in China), and a potential seizure of the goods by Customs. In addition, the consumer must pay for international shipping and often accept a shipping delay, as international shipping can take from 10-30 days from order to delivery.

In addition, there are informal personal networks for bringing goods from abroad. In many cases, Chinese travelling overseas will make large purchases on behalf of family members, friends and colleagues, and then bring these goods into China in their luggage.

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Governments Compete to Create a PlatformAll of the pilots use the same bonded online shopping model. But it appears the central government is fostering competition among them, as each city has created, or is in the process of creating, its own website to sell directly to the public (Figure 5). To date, six of the cities have created websites that act as

The goods on these sites tend to be from the food and beverage, electronics and appliances, baby care, cosmetic, and apparel and accessory categories, and for the moment, are mainly from Japan, the US, Netherlands, Korea and Germany.

However, customers on the internet are not restricted to buying from their local cross-border website. For example, a customer

a sales platform or online store, allowing customers to buy overseas items directly via the government-approved website. Shenzhen, whose website basically acts as a promotional platform but does not sell directly to the public, is the exception.

in Guangzhou, which has its own platform, is able to shop on Kuajingtong, Shanghai’s platform, with no restrictions. Judging from this behaviour, it appears the government is promoting competition among the platforms, and it is likely that the most well-received platform will ultimately be adopted by all the cities.

ShanghaiService Platform: KuajingtongWebsite: http://www.kjt.com/Online shopping platform founded by government-backed company

HangzhouService Platform: KjeportWebsite: http://www.kjeport.com/Online shopping platform founded by government-backed company

GuangzhouService Platform: JinkouyiWebsite: http://www.jinkouyi.cn/Government-approved pilot online shopping platform founded by local company

NingboService Platform: KuajinggouWebsite: http://www.kjb2c.com/Online shopping platform founded by government-backed company

ZhengzhouService Platform: WgypWebsite: http://www.wgyp.com/Government-approved pilot online shopping platform founded by local company

ChongqingService Platform: Iget MallWebsite: http://www.igetmall.net/Online shopping platform founded by government-backed company

ShenzhenService Platform: SzcebWebsite: http://www.szceb.com/Promotional platform for cross-border e-commerce, not shopping platform

Figure 5: Cross-border E-commerce Service Platform By City

Source: Platform websites, Research, Colliers International, 2015

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Shanghai

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China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone Amazon, Yihaodian, Tmall International

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Hangzhou Bonded Logistics Center Tmall International, JD.com, Q.city, SFHT

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Guangzhou Baiyun Airport Bonded Zone, Nansha Free Trade Zone Tmall International

Ningbo Free Trade Zone Tmall International

Korea

Henan Bonded Logistics Center Tmall International

Chongqing Xiyong Integrated Free Trade Zone Tmall International

Australia

Qianhai Free Trade Port Zone Tmall International

Germany

France

Governments Compete to Create a Platform

“If a bag of nuts sells for nearly RMB100 in the US, it would sell at RMB120 via the approved channels, while the price would be close to RMB190 if it is imported in a traditional manner.” — AlibabaSource: Ministry of Commerce, July 2014

A survey of cross-border e-commerce sites on the internet and media research found that Shanghai and Hangzhou have the most developed cross-border e-commerce markets to date (Figure 6). In Shanghai, Amazon, Yihaodian and Tmall all have strong presences and have all leased warehousing for this business. In an interesting twist, Amazon announced in March that they have conducted part of their business via Tmall, giving rise to the term “coopetition” – a combination of competition and cooperation. In Hangzhou, Tmall International, JD.com, Q.city and SFHT.com are already

present, and have leased space or publicly announced deals with the Customs Bureau. Both Q.city and SFHT.com (Shunfeng Haitao) are cross-border online retail platforms, respectively founded by a local company in Hangzhou and Shunfeng Express. In Guangzhou, Ningbo, Zhengzhou, Chongqing and Shenzhen, Tmall is the major market player, and has either announced deals with Customs that will allow it to operate the bonded online shopping model or established warehousing.

Figure 6: Cross-border E-commerce Pilot City and Market Players

City Established Operation Area Market Player

Main Product Categories: Main Countries of Origin:

Source: Platform websites, Research, Colliers International, 2015

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The Development of Cross-Border E-Commerce To date, the central government has designated seven cities as the pilots for cross-border e-commerce, with several more, including Xi’an, Qingdao, Yantai, and Wuhan currently in the application stage. The general evolution of the development of this sector and the related policy is summarised below.

2008A widespread scandal about the quality of domestic milk products led to a rise in the prices of imported milk products. Consumers responded by directly ordering milk products online from foreign websites, which were both cheaper and had a wider range of products.

The central government designated Shanghai, Zhengzhou, Ningbo, Hangzhou and Chongqing as pilot cities for cross-border e-commerce development. December 2012

Guangzhou designated pilot city.September 2013

March 2014The Customs Bureau allows an existing tax known as “xing you shui” (行邮税) to be applied to goods stored in or transhipped through the bonded areas of the six pilot cities.

In order to qualify for the “xing you shui” tax, which is lower than the standard import tax on foreign goods, packages must either have a total value of less than RMB1,000 or contain only one item, though its value may exceed RMB1,000. Such packages must be identified as “self-use” and the tax can only be applied this way in pilot cities.

xing you shui

Companies involved in e-commerce import in Shanghai (via sales, payment, logistics or warehousing) must register with Shanghai Customs, via the Shanghai Oriental Electronic Payment system.

April 2014

China’s Customs Bureau requires customs clearance for all cross-border e-commerce.

Shenzhen designated pilot city.July 2014

Amazon opens cross-border store via Kuajingtong.August 2014

Yihaodian begins sales of imported items using the cross-border model.September 2014

Costco enters the China market for the first time with cross-border store via Tmall International.October 2014

The Central Government calls for faster issuance of new guidelines to support the development of cross-border e-commerce. November 2014

Ministry of Industry and Information Technology allows overseas investors to wholly own an online transaction or data processing company in Shanghai’s FTZ.January 2015

The Shanghai Waigaoqiao Group opens online shop using the cross-border modelJanuary 2015

Amazon opens import flagship store via Tmall.

March 2015 The State Council approves the setup of the China (Hangzhou) cross-border e-commerce pilot zone in Hangzhou.

March 2015

Key Events or Policies

Event Policy

Zhejiang Province issues a three-year plan for the development of cross-border e-commerce (2015-2017).

January 2015

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Opportunity for Bonded Logistics Property

Chapter II

A Model Based Around Bonded Logistics

The new model outlined in the previous chapter relies on bonded logistics storage as a fundamental part of its implementation. As such, growth in cross-border e-commerce will directly translate into demand for bonded logistics storage.

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Lingang and the Pudong Airport zone (both part of Shanghai’s broader Free Trade Zone, established in September 2013) are most likely to absorb the demand for bonded warehousing from potential tenants in the short- to mid-term.

The Pudong Airport zone was the first zone approved by Customs to operate cross-border e-commerce in Shanghai’s FTZ, and this is where Kuajingtong’s warehouse is located. According to the warehouse’s landlord, they have signed leasing agreements with several new foreign suppliers since the launch of Kuajingtong, and are in negations with several more. By the end of 2014, they had leased more than 10,000 sqm to tenants involved in the cross-border e-commerce business, and plan to add an additional 50,000 sqm of bonded warehouse area in the short term.

As such, the airport zone will become increasingly attractive as a location for international retailers, e-commerce companies and third-party providers operating in the cross-border e-commerce market. Its prime location, in proximity to downtown, as well as its well-developed infrastructure and air logistics services, will be highly attractive to those looking to enter this market segment.

Lingang is also expected to benefit. Factors including extensive shipping lines (connected to more than 300 global ports), availability of modern logistics facilities and relatively low rental will make it a destination for cross-border e-commerce goods arriving by ocean. However, this assumes Customs approval to operate the bonded online shopping model (Figure 8). While it has yet to be granted, it is widely expected to receive approval in 2015.

Where the Demand Will GoLingang will present a unique opportunity for importers involved in cross-border e-commerce. The rise of Big Data and advanced predictive analysis of consumer behaviour, coupled with the ability to hold an inventory in Shanghai without paying tax (until the goods are actually ordered and delivered to the consumer), will reduce the time-sensitive nature of shipping and allow companies to ship products via ocean freight, at much lower costs than air freight. Electronics, luxury goods and baby products will be particularly well-suited to the ocean shipping/bonded storage model.

Demand for bonded logistics space in Lingang has seen higher levels of absorption in the past two to three years, following several slow years. The development of modern logistics facilities and new policies related to Shanghai’s FTZ have sparked interest from commodity/future traders for space in this zone for metal or high-value commodity storage. However, Lingang has space and a plan to expand, unlike Waigaoqiao, where available land is extremely limited. According to publicly announced plans for the Shanghai Free Trade Zone, Lingang’s total built area will increase from its current 1.11 million sqm (approximately) to 5.3 million sqm, and part of this stock will be specifically designated for the cross-border e-commerce sector.

Finally, Lingang will offer cost advantages. Though average rental levels here have been growing steadily since 2011, the current average rent for bonded warehousing property in this zone is RMB1.06 psm per day.

Figure 7: Occupancy by Region in the Shanghai FTZ as of end-2014

Source: Research, Colliers International,2015

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Figure 8: Average Rent and Vacancy Rate in Lingang and Pudong Airport

Pudong Airport Average RentLingang Average RentPudong Airport Vacancy RateLingang Vacancy Rate

1Big Data: according to Wikipedia, Big Data is a broad term for data sets so large or complex that traditional data processing applications are inadequate, 2015

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How It WorksA mix of overseas products are imported and stored in bonded warehousing space in bulk, with the variety of goods depending on a particular retailer’s sales forecast and strategy. Once an order is placed, the goods are sent from the bonded warehouse to consumers by domestic express companies. The importer only becomes responsible for tax, applied via the “xing you shui” tax rate, at this stage.

American retailer Costco has already taken advantage of this new policy to launch a store on Tmall International in October 2014. The company started with nuts, fish oil and dried fruits, based on the shopping behaviour of Tmall consumers, and sold 6,000 pounds (approximately 2,700 kg) of nut products and 3,000 pounds (approximately 1,360 kg) of dried fruit in a single three-day period. According to Alibaba, more than 60% of Tmall International’s orders are fulfilled via the bonded online shopping model.

This model presents significant advantages for both consumers and Customs. For consumers, it ensures buyer protection and cuts down on delivery times. For Customs, it reduces the amount of directly shipped packages that must be handled and, in theory, reduces the number of untaxed parcels entering the country.

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The PlatformAnother fundamental part of the new model is an online platform through which all of the transactions take place. Each pilot city has developed, or is in the process of developing, its own platform.

In Shanghai, the approved platform for cross-border e-commerce is named Kuajingtong. It was launched in December 2013 in Shanghai’s Free Trade Zone, making it the first cross-border e-commerce platform nationwide. The website (www.kuajingtong.com) now offers approximately 10,000 products from more than 30 overseas suppliers, including those from Korea, Japan, Australia, USA, Italy and France. International e-commerce companies, including Amazon and Yihaodian, are now working with Kuajingtong to handle logistics, warehousing and online payments for their cross-border e-commerce sales. While there are competing platforms, such as Tmall International (tmall.hk), launched by Alibaba in early 2014, Kuajingtong appears to be gaining traction with international retailers interested in this market sector.

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Where They SpendThe United States is the most popular marketplace for Chinese online shoppers, with goods from the country accounting for 47% of total cross-border sales (followed by Japan and the UK), according to industry research firms (Figure 9). According to Alipay, which processes the majority of online transactions in China, the online sales volume of goods from the US grew by more than 250% between July 2013 and July 2014. In addition to the US, Japan and the UK, Alipay counts regions or countries such as South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Malaysia, Sweden, The Netherlands and Denmark among the top 10 most popular areas for Chinese online shoppers (Figure 10).

Many American and UK companies are already gearing up to launch in China, according to a survey conducted by NTT Communications in early 2014, which interviewed 200 decision-makers of UK and US companies involved in e-commerce and found mainland China to be the most popular destination for expansion among these companies (Figure 11). Cross-border e-commerce will offer a feasible path for these companies to enter the Chinese market.

% of cross-border sales

Figure 11: “In the next twelve months, in which of these regions is your organisation looking to expand the selling of goods / services via e-commerce?”

Source: NTT Communications, Research, Colliers International, 2015

Figure 9: Top 5 Destinations of Chinese E-shoppers

Source: The Paypers, Research, Colliers International, 2015

Figure 10: Top 10 Destinations of Chinese E-shoppers

Source: Alipay, Research, Colliers International, 2015

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Space Becomes ScarceBetween 2011 and 2014, the vacancy rate of Shanghai’s bonded warehousing space decreased from 19.8% to 5.4% (Figure 12), as throughput at both Waigaoqiao Port and Yangshan Port increased to near-capacity levels (Figure 13). As such, the increase in demand for bonded warehousing space driven by e-commerce is happening right as stocks of suitable property are dwindling. This has been reflected in an increase in rentals for bonded warehouses in Shanghai, from RMB1.23 psm per day in 2013 to RMB1.27 psm per day in 2014, an annual increase of 3.0% (Figure 14). Demand is only expected to increase, with a series of new policies beneficial to foreign investors either issued or under consideration, as well as the government’s efforts to further expand throughput capacity at the ports.

Figure 13: TEU Throughput of the Shanghai Waigaoqiao Port and Yangshan Port

Waigaoqiao PortYangshan Port

*Note: as of October 2014Source: Research, Colliers International, 2015

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Figure 12: New Supply, Net Absorption and Vacancy Rate in the Shanghai FTZ

Source: Research, Colliers International, 2015

New Suppply Net Absorption

Figure 14: Average Rent for Bonded Logistics Facilities in the Shanghai FTZ

Source: Research, Colliers International, 2015

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New Faces: A Change in TenantsTenants for bonded logistics facilities are evolving. Historically, the manufacturing and trading industries have been the primary tenants at these facilities. This is already changing as companies from the retail, e-commerce and logistics industries are beginning to lease bonded logistics facilities, and international retailers, developers and operators are becoming increasingly interested in this sector.

For foreign retailers, the new policy will allow them to enter the China market without making a prohibitively large capital investment, in what is often considered one of the most challenging global e-commerce markets (Figure 15). Difficulties include tax regulations and compliance, shipping difficulties and cost, commodity inspection and payment settlement.

Jack Ma, the founder and executive chairman of Alibaba Group, has said that “now is the opportunity” for small foreign businesses to sell directly to Chinese consumers, as the new model will create a clear sales channel: selling directly to consumers online (in this case, presumably through Alibaba’s cross-border platform).

Companies that sell baby formula, health care, cosmetics and skin care — the top-selling products for Chinese consumers for the past three years, according to Alibaba — will find strong demand, as will high-fashion clothing and luxury goods, the fastest-growing product categories for online shopping worldwide between July 2013 and July 2014.

Figure 15: “Please rank the Asian regions in order of how challenging they are for you to deliver e-commerce.”

Source: NTT Communications, Research, Colliers International, 2015

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ConclusionThe rise of e-commerce in China has already had massive implications for the country’s logistics system and property market. Now, this change is coming to bonded zones, as bonded online shopping offers a way for Chinese consumers to safely buy from foreign countries, eliminating uncertainty related to after-service, tax burdens, customs clearance and delivery times.

This new model has already created opportunities for a number of e-commerce companies and logistics developers, including both Amazon and Alibaba’s entries to the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone, and other bonded zones in pilot cities.

As this sector evolves, the implications for both prospective and existing landlords and tenants of bonded warehousing space in all pilot cities will be significant. From changes in everything from the range of products to shipping options, the apparently simple act of ordering a product from abroad will have deep and profound effects on the bonded logistics property market. Retailers, investors and developers with the right knowledge of policy, consumer behaviour, and the logistics industry will be well-placed to benefit.

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Lina Wong MRICS, CCIM Managing Director | East and Southwest ChinaInvestment Services | China+86 21 6141 [email protected]

Eric LamManaging Director | South ChinaPRC Institutional Client Services | China+86 20 3819 [email protected]

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