China Recap | From LA to Singapore, Chinese firms push global expansion across sectors

China Recap is a weekly roundup tracking Chinese companies expanding abroad, covering market entries, funding rounds, product launches, and global partnerships.

China’s corporate globalization strategy is evolving fast. Industry giants are rewriting the global playbook, while a new generation of companies charts fresh paths overseas.

China Recap tracks both—focusing on strategic expansion, brand building, and localized operations—to help readers make sense of shifting trends and understand how Chinese firms are reshaping their global approach.

Here is this week’s roundup:

Industrial tech and e-commerce lift Midea’s Q1 earnings

Midea Group posted RMB 128.4 billion (USD 18 billion) in revenue for Q1 2025, up 20.6% year-on-year (YoY). Net profit rose 41.1% to RMB 12.7 billion (USD 1.8 billion), fueled by growth in industrial tech and a surge of over 50% in international e-commerce. The company also introduced new artificial intelligence-enabled appliances and announced a stock buyback plan.

Energy storage drove Anker’s 41% revenue surge in 2024

Anker Innovations recorded RMB 24.7 billion (USD 3.5 billion) in 2024 revenue, up 41.1% year-on-year. Net profit climbed 30.9% to RMB 2.1 billion (USD 296 million), with R&D spending up nearly 50%. In Q1 2025, energy storage alone contributed RMB 3 billion (USD 420 million), marking a 184% year-on-year spike.

Zeekr hits 1,200 stores, ramps up global reach

Zeekr and Lynk & Co sold a combined 41,316 vehicles in April 2025, up 18.7% YoY. Zeekr delivered 13,727 units, while Lynk & Co sold 27,589. Zeekr now operates over 1,200 stores in more than 60 global markets, and reports serving more than 1.9 million customers worldwide.

Roborock grows US footprint as Q1 revenue jumps 86%

Roborock reported RMB 3.4 billion (USD 476 million) in Q1 2025 revenue, up 86.2% YoY, with net profit reaching RMB 267 million (USD 37.4 million). The increase was fueled by a wider product mix and stronger overseas sales. Its US distribution now covers more than half the market and is continuing to expand. —36Kr Chuhai

Cainiao sees 30% parcel growth in North America

Cainiao’s cross-border parcel forwarding orders in North America rose over 30% month-on-month in April, with rising inquiries across its app, official site, and overseas social platforms. The growth signals increased engagement with its logistics services in the region. —36Kr

Ecarx’s Q1 revenue grows 30% amid shipment surge

Automotive intelligence firm Ecarx posted Q1 2025 revenue of RMB 1.2 billion (USD 168 million), up 30% YoY. Global shipments totaled 684,000 units, up 81%. The company maintained a gross margin of 20% as it accelerated global expansion.

Deepal ties exec bonuses to overseas sales target

Deepal aims to generate 20% of its 2025 annual vehicle sales from international markets, with new models like the S09 expected to push monthly sales past 10,000 units. Executive bonuses will be linked to the overseas target, even for departments not directly responsible for international business.

Chagee debuts in the US with LA store, new CMO onboard

Chagee launched its first US flagship store on May 9 at Westfield Century City Mall in Los Angeles. The expansion follows its recent Nasdaq listing, making it the first made-to-order Chinese tea brand to go public in the US. Eugene Lee, former global CMO of McDonald’s, has joined Chagee as vice president and CMO for the Asia Pacific.

DreamSmart and Ant roll out smart glasses with offline payments

On April 29, DreamSmart and Ant International’s Alipay+ unveiled what they claim is the first smart glasses capable of processing offline payments. The device uses waveguide displays and voice controls, enabling transactions without a phone. The function debuts on Meizu’s StarV Air2 and will expand to other models by Q3 2025.

Dafang AI lands Singapore contract for paint robots

Dafang AI’s Singapore unit secured a contract from the Housing and Development Board (HDB) to supply paint-spraying robots for local housing projects. In partnership with ISDN, Dafang will deliver the robots over the next three years. The company’s systems are also in use in various countries including China, Dubai, and Egypt, with pilots underway in other markets.

Didi expands charter service to 26 cities in 11 countries

Didi expanded its overseas charter car service to 26 cities in 11 countries, including Singapore, Bangkok, Tokyo, and Sydney, to meet holiday demand. The offering features Chinese-language interfaces, Chinese-speaking drivers, and eliminates the need for card binding or foreign exchange calculations.

That wraps up the first edition of China Recap. If your company is entering or expanding in overseas markets, we’d love to hear about your latest milestones. Get in touch to share your story.

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